RUGBY: Fakenham Foxes ladies’ rugby team went on a tour to Malta.

Foxes v Malta Select (13s full contact match): The Foxes decided to try out their moves and play a backs game. From the kick-off the Maltese team shipped down their speedy backs to score and take control of the first half.

Foxes tried hard to come back and won the majority of scrums, but any loose ball was scooped up and ran through to score. The opposition did not like contact and shipped through their experienced backs to score down the wing six times. Half-time: 32-0.

In the second half the Foxes reshuffled and decided to play a forwards’ game, although the ground was like concrete. The Foxes stood up in contact and created rucks and mauls on their terms and the Maltese could not cope.

The Foxes picked up and drove to make precious ground. Megan Ryder made a strong run and pushed her way through to allow Mandy Warren to take the ball and smash through players to score.

The Maltese scored a breakaway try, but the Foxes were still in control of the scrum and contact area. The Foxes again smashed their way up the pitch to ship to Kym Kendle, who dragged people over with her to score. Final score: 39-10.

The Foxes were informed after the match that they had just played the Malta international team. The Foxes were proud of their performance, and even though they switched the game plan too late, they gave Malta a game to remember.

On the second day, a sevens touch game was played. The Foxes play touch all summer to keep fit, and confident, clear calling, looping and popping before contact enabled the Foxes to win by nine tries to four.

Foxes’ PoM was Kym Kendle and player of the tour was Kat Smith

A fantastic weekend of rugby, socialising and team building. The Foxes hope to host a 10s tournament next season and invite Malta.

Fakenham U13 rugby

Fakenham U13s ended their season with a busy weekend. Saturday saw them playing host to touring side Leicester Vipers.

Fakenham got points on the board starting with Lloyd’s try and led at half-time 22-0. The second half saw further tries from Lloyd and Frosty and conversions from Lloyd and Murray. Result: 51-0.

A game of softball was also keenly contested, Mark House assisting.

Sunday saw the team at Diss U13s’ Festival.

The first game against Woodbridge ended in a win with a try in each half from Lloyd.

Against Leicester, in a hard match, a try from Lloyd in the first half and one from Beanie in the second led to another win.

Against Newmarket, two tries from Lloyd in the first half and one from Murray in the second saw another win.

Against Stowmarket Lloyd again scored twice in the first half, and Murray and Frosty in the second.

The final match of the pool was against leaders Colchester, who won, leaving Fakenham runners-up to play North Walsham.

This was a hard-fought game which ended in a draw, allowing Walsham through to the final on points previously scored.

The plate final was against Bury St Edmunds, and despite pressure, effort and some hard tackles, Fakenham could not get over the try line leading to Bury taking the win.

The whole team played immensely well and the achievement of reaching the plate final is something they should all be proud of in view of the size of some of the clubs they played.

Squad: Alex, Ashley, Ben, Beanie, Harry, Henry, Frosty, Jack, Kieran, Lloyd, Luke, Matty, Murray, Sam, Tom, Zak.