Fakenham registered their first league win of the season dramatically, defeating Diss 27-21 at the Stringer Ground on Saturday.
The game was played out against a backdrop of torrential rain, thunder and lightning.
With Diss arriving fresh from relegation and bringing a strong travelling support, Fakenham expected a stern test.
The weather delivered one too, as heavy rain turned to hail just before kick-off, leaving both sides struggling to master the conditions in the early exchanges.
The visitors struck first after 15 minutes, their pack hammering away close to the line before crashing over for the game’s opening try. The conversion gave Diss a 7-0 lead.
Fakenham responded swiftly.
A stolen lineout deep in Diss territory set the platform for No.8 Murray Tindal, who burst through the defensive line and rounded the full-back to score under the posts.
Fly-half Lloyd Marshall added the extras to level matters.
Diss hit back almost immediately, launching from halfway and finishing off a sweeping move to restore their lead with a second converted try.
Marshall narrowed the gap with a penalty before Tindal crossed again just before half-time, powering over wide on the right. Fakenham went into the break narrowly ahead, 15-14.
The second half was a tense affair until winger Ashley Stewart finished well in the corner to extend the advantage.
Soon after, Tindal produced the game’s standout moment, surging through the midfield before delivering a clever offload to close friend and scrum-half Harry Richardson, who raced away untouched.
Replacement kicker Cameron Baldock converted, putting daylight between the teams at 27-14 with ten minutes to play.
With the heavens opening once more, Fakenham managed the closing stages expertly, using the boot to pin Diss deep inside their own half.
Yet there was late drama.
Replacement full-back Damon Howick, unaware it was the final play, attempted to run from his own dead-ball line rather than kick clear.
Diss pounced, breaking into space to score a converted try that secured them a losing bonus point.
Despite the nervous finish, Fakenham emerged with a deserved bonus point victory.
Richardson earned the Barsham Brewery Man of the Match award, praised for his control at the base and his decisive try.
Tindal’s powerful carrying and all-round presence also stood out, while the forwards fronted up superbly in the set-piece.
The Stringer Ground faithful will hope this win sparks momentum, with Fakenham next in action at home to Thorney in the cup on Saturday.
