West Norfolk take derby spoils over Fakenham

League leaders West Norfolk were triumphant in a much-anticipated top-of-the-table clash against Fakenham.Soon after the kick-off at Gatehouse Lane, West started to dominate, turning the ball over and working their way downfield.Some confusion on the part of Fakenham left Number 8 James Dobler trotting in the first score.Captain Jack Wicks’ boot immediately worked and converted to take West into the lead.An excellent lineout from West caught Fakenham on the back foot just outside their 22-yard line where they then conceded a penalty.Williams took a quick tap and slinked his way through the remaining Fakenham defenders untouched, again seeing Wicks slotting over another conversion.A momentary lapse of judgement from Williams earned him a yellow card but West were on the charge once again. A dropped pass saw Fakenham not react and the recycled ball was immediately shipped to an unmarked Costa, jogging in another score from five yards out just before half-time.The next West Norfolk try came shortly after the restart, with some strong defence forcing a handling error from Fakenham.Jacob Chapman reacted first, picking up the loose ball and setting off on a charge before offloading to Hayden Revell who snuck the ball into the corner. Wicks’ excellent kicking form continued with the conversation being made to take West confidently into the lead.The next score saw the ball come loose at a breakdown on the Fakenham ten-yard line, with substitute Lewis Stuart (Northern) picking it up and galloping his way through a massive hole in the defence to score under the posts. Wicks once again made the conversion.Rallying briefly, Fakenham put pressure back onto West and a good portion of the remaining minutes was spent in the home 22. West put pressure on themselves with some unnecessary penalties and Fakenham finally took a consolation try through Aaron Tagg but fly-half Lloyd Marshall was unable to add the conversion. West Norfolk Man of the Match: Lewis Rudd, sponsored by Rae Rudd Ltd.Defender of the Match: Jacob Chapman, sponsored by Wicks Garage.The Fakenham Barsham Brewery Man of the Match went to second-row Matt King.Next up sees West Norfolk travel to March Bears on Saturday, October 12, while Fakenham hosts Wisbech at the Stringer Ground.