Fakenham blown away by Cantabrigians in the second half

Fakenham’s third league outing of the season saw them make the trip to Cambridge, where they faced a stern test against a strong Cantabrigian side recently relegated from the division above.

Sitting second in the table before kick-off, the hosts were always going to be formidable opponents, and so it proved as Fakenham fell to a 48-12 defeat.

The visitors made a slow start, with early indiscipline gifting Cantabs valuable territory and possession.

The home side capitalised, crossing for a converted try inside the opening ten minutes.

Fakenham gradually settled and began to find some rhythm, spending time in the Cantabs half, but a lack of composure at key moments meant they couldn’t turn pressure into points.

A penalty extended the home side’s lead before Fakenham hit back impressively.

Fly-half Lloyd Marshall darted over for a well-worked try, converted by Cameron Baldock, reducing the deficit to 10-7 at half-time.

Cantabrigian regained control early in the second period with an unconverted try, but Fakenham refused to fold.

Prolific winger Murray Tindal continued his fine form with another score, though Baldock was unable to add the extras, leaving the gap at three points once more.

Any hopes of a comeback, however, were dashed in the final quarter as Cantabs’ experience and fitness showed. The Cambridge side ran in five tries in the last 20 minutes - four of them converted - to give the final score a flattering look at 48-12.

Despite the margin, Fakenham’s spirit could not be faulted. Injuries left them playing the closing stages with just 13 men, yet they continued to battle hard.

The Barsham Brewery Man of the Match award went to inside centre Jordi Walker, who impressed with powerful runs and key defensive efforts.

Fakenham will look to regroup next on Saturday when they return home to the Stringer Ground to host Wymondham 2nds.