Norwich Union gave Fakenham a real test before the leaders edged home 29-24 to maintain their 100 percent record this season.

Union scored four tries through Craig Dunbar, Matt Gyton, Matt Spenceley and Simon Pitcher, with Simon Bunting adding a couple of conversions, but Fakenham defended stoutly at the end to see out the win,

After the game Union coach Gareth Davis said: 'We are all disappointed in the loss but remain the only team in the league to run Fakenham close and did collect two bonus points. To lose narrowly is again a demonstration of how far we have come.'

North Walsham Raiders retained second place with a hard fought win 23-17 over a determined Beccles side at Beef Meadow. There were tries for Henry Hunt, Tawanda Kandemwa and Will Minchin while Ted Morgan added a conversion and two penalties.

Norwich Union Firebirds were beaten 54-19 at home by Thetford II (Otis Hernandez, Ollie Smith, Matt Lefevre, Smith 2 conversions).