Foxes find form at Norwich 16th Nov 2008
Fakenham Foxes travelled to Norwich to play the Medics and UEA, each team playing two mini-matches. UEA had numbers and lent the Foxes a player.
The Medics and UEA played first, the UEA won and the Foxes witnessed good rugby from both teams.
The Foxes played UEA next and the teams were well matched and battle commenced. The Foxes took the game to UEA with strong runs from Captain Mandy then Stacey and Hannah who also made precious ground, only great defence from UEA stopped an early try. The Foxes were trying out new positions, Chantell at 9 settled in immediately and Megan at 10 took control of the backs throughout. Just before half time the safe hands of the backs released Kate down the wing to score. HT UEA 0Foxes 7
In the second half UEA pressured and the Foxes defended with strength and numbers. Claire played well on her debut and the forwards were strengthened by return of Helena from injury and Hazel from Uni. An entertaining game of rugby both teams determined to win. The UEA pressured and finally broke through and scored. The Foxes watched with uneasiness as the kick was taken but to the Foxes delight kicked wide. FT UEA 5 Foxes 7
In the Second Match against the Medics the Foxes team had found form and began to try new moves. Helen and Kelly demonstrated good mauling skills and Sue accurate line out work. The team played quick ball and Rhiannon gained ground with a powerful run. The Medics came back hard but the Foxes defence was solid. Sian and Kate made relentless runs and both scored. HT Medics 0 - Foxes 14
The Foxes were impressed with the Medics improvement since last season and they should have scored twice but Ellie’s calculated tackle stopped one and quick reactions from Mandy and Sian held up another. The forwards sucked in players and passed the ball out to the backs to score another before full time. Hannah new to kicking converted all with accuracy and confidence. FT Medics 0 - Foxes 21All three teams enjoyed their day of rugby and the whole Foxes team were players of the match due to confident all round team performances!
Foxes Convincing Win over UEA - 8th Feb 2009
Fakenham Foxes travelled to UEA short due to injury and the UEA kindly lent the Foxes players from their large squad.
The Foxes focussed and ready from the start received the kick and charged forward with team support, it wasn’t long before the Foxes attacks were rewarded with their first try through winger Sian. The UEA battled and defended with numbers but could not cope with the Foxes strength. Kate a borrowed player made a skilful run for the second try. Hannah at 10 gave clear commands to the backs and much of the play was through hands making space for Sian to add another try. The UEA came back at the Foxes but their defence was unbreakable. Just before half time Kate at full back scored again. HT UEA 0 - Foxes 22
In the Second half the Foxes kept the pressure on and the forwards made ground with hard rucking and driving mauls. The Foxes were awarded a scrum in the UEAs half and Chantell picked up at 9 steamed forward and popped to Stacey who crashed through to score. Key play from Chantell, Hannah and Mandy helped to set up try’s for Rachel, Kate and Sian. The Foxes oozed in confidence sucking in the UEA for a couple of phases then passing out playing quick ball. Sian added a final try and as always put in a skilled performance. Rachel also having a strong game on her debut for the Foxes.
The Foxes showing structure, confidence and game plan which is down to the continued support of experienced coach Graham and commitment to regular training. FT UEA 0 - Foxes 49
Players of the Match: Rachel Forrest and Hannah Stephen
Foxes Away to Southwold Jan 11th 09
Fakenham Foxes Ladies rugby team travelled to Southwold in cold and windy conditions.
The Foxes were disorganised in the first 15 minutes and gave away two early tries.
The Foxes woke up and fought back by defending with strength and numbers. Hannah and Ellie trying out new positions settled into their roles and made numerous hard tackles. Southwold kept up the pressured and got a penalty and crashed over. The Foxes came back through Emily taking a quick penalty and making a skilful run to score. Ellie made a fantastic tackle just short of the line only to see the tallest girl on the pitch reach over to score.
The Foxes got close again but solid defence denied them, Keisha had an outstanding debut game and gelled with the team. The Foxes second try was created by teamwork, working the ball through hands creating the space for Megan to score. Southwold added two more before the final whistle. FT Score Southwold 32 - Foxes 10
The Foxes have improved since their last meet and both teams enjoyed the match.
Fakenham Foxes v Cambridge University - 1st Feb 09
Fakenham Foxes hosted Cambridge University in bitterly cold and snowy conditions with a good crowd of spectators braving the weather.Cambridge brought a large squad of 27 a mix of 1st/2nd team and new players. The Foxes had a squad of 17 a mix of experienced and new players.
The teams agreed to play 3 Twenty minute matches.
In the 1st match both teams took a while to settle in such cold conditions. The Foxes took an early blow with the injury of Prop Helena, the team mixed round so they could still contest. Both teams had share of the play and some well worked moves were tried out. It was solid defensive work from both sides that prevented a try. Score 0-0
In the 2nd Match the teams played in a blizzard and didn’t seem to notice as some excellent rugby was played. Quick penalty taking by Megan allowed the Foxes to make precious ground. Cambs came back and pressured hard moving ever closer to the line, the Foxes shot back to defend and Sandie held them up over the line. The Foxes spotted space on the left and took advantage from the scrum with strong runs from Hannah, Mandy and Sian. Fakenham kept up the pressure and with good teamwork and Mandy crashed over the line. Cambs came back hard but the Foxes defence was too strong. Score Foxes 5 - Cambs 0
In the 3rd Match the Foxes were tiring and Cambs had saved the best until last fielding most of their 1st team. This did not deter the Foxes who battled on willing to gain as much experience as possible. The Foxes were focused and took the game to them with attacking runs. Cams came back with relentless runs and their experienced backs broke through to score. Cambs scored another from a 5m scrum and converted. The Foxes fought to the end with determination, but Cambs got a penalty and scored in the last play of the game. Score Foxes - 0 Cambs 17
Foxes Players of the Match: Megan Ryder and Sandie Toher