Broadland Tigers were unable to overcome Fakenham II's in this Norfolk Merit Table clash. Although dominant in the scrum, the Tigers found themselves being pegged back in the first quarter following good play from Fakenham's excellent scrum half.

Tigers' usual attacking potency was strangely missing but their defence, often a criticism, was outstanding with Fakenham being held up over the line on numerous occasions. Constant pressure told, however, with Fakenham's number 8 scoring a close range try (unconverted).

Injuries in the first half to key players Pollard and the veteran Jones-Rogers did not help the Tigers' cause but, to their credit, both forwards and backs dug in and asked questions of their opponents defence - Cantillon going close following a scintillating solo effort.

The second half began in much the same way as the first, with the Fakenham scrum half continuing to disrupt the Tigers' half-backs. Consequently the Tigers were unable to release their backs to any great effect. Despite A Todd's sterling efforts in the loose Fakenham's centre scored (converted).

Disappointed but undaunted Tigers finally rallied with the promising Lightfoot being thwarted close to Fakenham's 5-metre line. The Tigers' forwards were unable to capitalise on this, though.

Following an injury to Fenn (replaced by M Todd) and further reorganisation of the team, Fakenham turned the ball over and scored their final try (unconverted).

With many players playing out of position Tigers should not be too disappointed with this performance. The application and effort of each player was commendable with special mention to emerging talent Allright, A Todd, Lightfoot, Ishmail and Rogers whose stature is growing with every game.

Team: Browne (Captain), Thompson, T Bristow, Fenn, Blizzard, Hargreaves, A Todd, Rogers, Jones-Rogers, Tucker, Ishmail, Lightfoot, Cantillon, James, Pollard, Allright, Pywell, Beagrie, M Todd.

Steve Brown

- Fixtures -