Thetford Heathens 58, Holt III 5RUGBY: An in-form Heathens team faced Holt in a Merit League Two rugby game. Outside-centre Stu Awcock carved his way through the centres to score the first try of four.

Thetford Heathens 58, Holt III 5

RUGBY: An in-form Heathens team faced Holt in a Merit League Two rugby game. Outside-centre Stu Awcock carved his way through the centres to score the first try of four. The visitors hit back with a breakaway try which forced Thetford to go back to basics and play some simple rugby. Prop Dave Hammett provided power up front and scored a well-deserved try.

Birthday boy Casper Cairns (MoM) had an outstanding game at lock and scored two tries, one of which was pure solo magic when he caught the ball from a re-start and ran 70 metres through the entire Holt team. Further tries came from Phil Williams, Ollie Taylor, and Jack Bloss. The latter also kicked four conversions and controlled the backs superbly throughout.

Captain Dave Ward later praised his team for “exceptional commitment”.

Fakenham II 10, Thetford Heathens 24

Heathens travelled away with just 14 players due to injuries, but were determined to continue their winning form. Heathens started slowly and went 3-0 behind after Fakenham struck a penalty.

Undeterred, the Thetford forwards battled hard and veteran Alan Peaceful scored a fine try, converted by Jack Bloss.

The Thetford forwards continued to win turn-over ball and skipper Dave Ward led the defence with his usual big hits. Charlie Avis joined the backs and took the ball on with pace which set up a ruck from which Richard Smith (MoM) drove over the line.

A further try was scored from a textbook catch and drive from a line-out. Locks Casper Cairns and Ian Wallis dominated in the loose and young guns Jason Lumbard and Gary Lawrence both came of age with some solid defence, which only conceded one breakaway try.