Fakenham's tenth league fixture saw them host Ipswich YM at the Stringer Ground. YM came down from the league above and sit in second in the league, so Fakenham knew it would be a tough battle, though they've had a number of good games together in recent times.

Even though Storm Bert was making the news, thankfully it did not impact the game too much; it was dry and there was a swirling wind but nothing too dramatic.

Fakenham opened the scoring just five minutes into the game. A good clearing kick from veteran fly half Tom Bane-Young took his side up to the YM 22. The Fakenham forwards then turned the ball over at the lineout and the home side worked the ball to the middle of the pitch. A few good carries took them close, before captain and number eight Adam Lingwood picked from the base of a ruck to dive over underneath the posts from close range. Old boy Bane-Young hit the simple conversion.

Just a few minutes later, left winger Archie Mattocks was put in space in his own half and carried the ball deep into YM territory. Fakenham then worked the ball wide to the right, before Bane-Young put in an impressive chip and chase, collecting his own deft kick to score, belying his advanced years. He then converted his own try.

The aged fly half continued to impress, breaking through and putting in an offload that was knocked forwards by the final YM defender. The away player saw yellow for his efforts and Bangers slotted the penalty kick from in front of the posts to give Fakenham a 17 - 0 lead.

At this point, the away side started to fire some shots of their own. YM put in a number of phases to get close to the line, but good defence from Fakenham forced a knock on. However, they could not clear their lines and gave away a penalty, which YM took quickly and powered over. They then added the conversion from just to the left of the posts with twenty five minutes gone.

Ipswich YM then scored again in similar fashion. A quick tap penalty on the Fakenham 5m line was initially repelled well as flanker Joe Airey cut them down. Nonetheless, on the next phase the away side put in a strong carry with a good latch to force their way over the line and get the ball down under pressure. A good conversion left them within 3 points after half an hour.

Neither side were able to add to the scoreboard in the final ten minutes of the half, leaving it 17 - 14.

Ipswich YM began to take control of both territory and possession after the break. They worked their way into the Fakenham 22 and managed to score in the right hand corner five minutes into the half. The tricky conversion was unsuccessful to leave them with a slender 2 point lead.

They bolstered their advantage by getting the next score. A great kick from a penalty in their own half put YM deep into the Fakenham 22. They scored after the ensuing lineout and this time the difficult conversion from the right hand side was nailed to make it 17 - 26.

The away side continued to make their territory and possession pay dividends, working their way down the pitch once again. In similar fashion to before, they went through the phases and eventually made the numbers on the right to get over in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful on this occasion, leaving YM 14 points ahead with ten minutes to go.

As always, Fakenham refused to know when to give in and fought back. Keeping hold of the ball themselves, the home side worked their way into opposition territory before that old man Bane-Young made the difference once again. He cut through the midfield before showing the legs to get under the posts and then converted his own score, putting Fakenham one score behind with five minutes left.

Ipswich YM kept the home side pinned in their own half and eventually, with Fakenham having to try and run it from their own half on the last play, they knocked it on to bring an end to the game, the final score 24 - 31.

Fakenham started and finished well, but YM enjoyed the bulk of the possession and territory in the middle of the game to score 31 consecutive points and overhaul Fakenham, then take the game away from them.

Another valiant effort from Fakenham, though they will be frustrated by the number of close games they've lost this season. If they can put a full 80 minute performance together they'll be a real threat in the league.

The Barsham Brewery Man of the Match went to, as you'd imagine, fly half Tom Bane-Young. He rolled back the years to put in a quality performance, scoring 19 points.

Thank you to Katering 4U for the match teas the players enjoyed as always after the game.

There is no fixture this week, but Fakenham are next in action away to Mersea Island on the 7th of December. There is a coach going from the clubhouse, so if you fancy supporting the boys and having a great day out, get in touch to book a seat.