MISTLEY Rugby Club have been dealt a blow following the postponement of tomorrow’s final-day fixture.

Stowmarket, their scheduled opponents, have called off because of a lack of front-row players.

Mistley are now trying to arrange a last-minute friendly, to give their first-team players a run-out.

However, they are disappointed not to be playing their last match of the Eastern Counties League season.

They had been hoping to win the division two south contest by a large margin, in order to give themselves a chance of retaining third place in the table and overtaking Hadleigh. The Suffolk side pipped them by a single point two weeks ago to put themselves in pole position.

Mistley will be awarded a 20-0 win because of Stowmarket’s decision, so still have a slim chance of finishing third.

However, it is out of their hands as they have to hope Hadleigh slip up at lowly Felixstowe.

Nevertheless, proud chairman William Meston believes it has still been a fantastic season all-round at Mistley.

“Despite an indifferent second half of the season, the spirit and morale in the club is the best I’ve known since becoming chairman five years ago,” he said.

“We’re all very upbeat and it would have been great to end the season in third place, behind Colchester and our local rivals, Harwich.

“While that now looks unlikely, it’s still been a very successful year with lots of highlights.

“We retained the Thorn Cup in our annual Boxing Day match against Harwich.

“The Marauders, our second team, have also grown in strength and stature and some of the youngsters will be vying for first-team rugby next season.

“The icing on the cake was our under-eights recently winning the Plate Tag final at Hadleigh.

“I can’t thank every member of the club, volunteers and parents enough for all their work and commitment.

“They are a credit to our club.”

Next weekend, on March 28, Mistley will be hosting their annual President’s Day.

Players from many local clubs will be taking part in the last senior game of the season and kick-off is at 1pm, at Furze Hill.

Meanwhile, new rugby players have the chance to show their skills and pick up top tips.

A special introduction to rugby session is being hosted by Mistley Rugby Club, at Furze Hill, from 11am this Sunday.

An RFU coach will be running the session, which is for players between the ages of 11 and 16.

Budding young players are encouraged to come along and try their hand at the sport.

For more information, contact Simon on 07941 155533.