SUNDAY saw Fakenham RUFC's Minis travel to Diss for their first fixture of the season in very wet conditions.U7: With only three of the youngest and newest players braving the terrible conditions to travel Fakenham were unable to field a team of their own, but they cheerfully joined in with the Diss and Ipswich teams and despite getting soaked to the skin and shivering with the cold put in a brave effort.

SUNDAY saw Fakenham RUFC's Minis travel to Diss for their first fixture of the season in very wet conditions.

U7: With only three of the youngest and newest players braving the terrible conditions to travel Fakenham were unable to field a team of their own, but they cheerfully joined in with the Diss and Ipswich teams and despite getting soaked to the skin and shivering with the cold put in a brave effort. Players: Ryan Allen, Archie Robb and Jonah Poole.

U8: After warming up and getting wet the U8s finally got to play against Diss. The team started well and put in some fantastic tagging but weather conditions were against them. The game finished 20-10 to Diss. Team: Aiden, Lucus, Ethan, Zacci, Will and Finlay.

U9: This was the first contact game for the U9s. Having spent the last month learning new skills and rules the team went to Diss unsure of what to expect. Being sent to play on the furthest pitch from the clubhouse meant they were left waiting in the rain while Diss and Ipswich kicked off first. When they eventually took to the field they surpassed their own expectations and put on a very good show and gained confidence as the game progressed. It was a tightly fought match with good tackling and team play. Final score: Diss 25, Fakenham 20. Team: Charlie, Dominic, Aaron, Harry, Max, Paddy, Emily and James.

U11: After much training and full of anticipation Fakenham U11s played their first matches of the season. Every player in the squad demonstrating excellent skill and resilience. In their first match the team performed excellently in all quarters to draw 10-10 with Ipswich. Fakenham took the lead with a try scored by Niamh Hunt after an excellent display of mauling followed swiftly by a second try run in by Murray Tindal. Despite forcing Ipswich to play in their own half for the majority of the game two soft tries scored by Ipswich left honours even in a well contested match.

Despite the conditions Fakenham fought strongly against Diss, again forcing them to defend their try line throughout and through their ability to win scrums, rucks and mauls, some excellent passing and very strong tackling they were held to a 0-0 draw. Murray Tindall was denied a try by an excellent chase back and tackle just short of the Diss try line in the final seconds. Team: Murray, Henry, Niamh, Jack, Ashley, Alex B, Alex C, Alex R, Freddie, Zack, Kieran, Sam, Callum and Matty.

All children enjoyed their games and despite getting very, very wet, a warm shower and dry clothes left them wanting more. Fakenham's minis next fixture is the West Norfolk Festival on October 19.

If you or your children are interested in playing rugby why not come along to training sessions. The club is now fielding three senior, a ladies' (Foxes), youth boys, youth girls (The Cubs) as well as minis teams.

Check out website www.fakenhamrugby.com for full contact details or email helena.cribbins@fakenhamrugby.com