MISTLEY Rugby Club secured an impressive 27-19 victory against high-flying Sudbury, in the Eastern Counties League.

They continue to improve with every game and this result continued the club's good form, having recently won their first league game against Stowmarket.

Home advantage and the strength and superiority of their scrum were key ingredients of the win, as was the welcome return of pack leader and prop Tom Rowe.

Every member of the pack played their part, with flanker Ed Barrie constantly upsetting the Sudbury forwards.

The front row combination of James Wares, Anthony Ward and Rowe made a massive contribution, allowing the latter to crash over the line to score first.

Sudbury played to their strengths, with quick, young backs, which caused the home team problems.

However, with superb tackling from Rob Bloom and scrum-half Jess Fearn, Mistley were able to contain the Sudbury backs.

Fly-half Mattie Course scored and, together with his conversion, pushed the lead to 12-0.

Mistley's weaknesses showed through on the overlap once again as Sudbury scored to reduce the deficit to 12-5.

Moby Tuner then went off injured, to be replaced by Jack Tompkins.

Bloom nearly scored but the pack pushed on to the try-line, allowing Mistley captain Nick Graves to control the ball in the scrum and score.

Sudbury quickly responded and, despite heroic defending from Connor Williams, the first half ended 17-12.

Mistley knew they could not drop their guard and Graves asked for more aggression.

Course missed a difficult penalty but then Sudbury ran though the Mistley team to make the score 19-17.

Mistley upped the tempo and Graves went over the Sudbury try-line.

The referee did not award the try as he was not in a position to see it, so a scrum was given to Mistley and Fearn scored.

With a successful conversion from Course, Mistley were back in the lead at 24-19.

Stephen Betts then came off to be replaced by Harry Kerins, while Fred Barrett came on for the injured Course.

Sudbury began to pile on the pressure, looking to reduce the deficit.

Tensions rose and Mistley did not want a repeat of last year's home game when they lost 26-25 in the last minute against Sudbury.

However, Tompkins kicked a difficult long penalty which went over the posts to increase the lead to 27-19.

More excellent defensive work from Bloom, Barrett, Will Vine and Dickie Johnson saved the day as the final whistle blew to secure a well-earned Mistley victory.

Barrie was man-of-the-match.

This weekend, the club's first team are away to Brightlingsea and the Marauders at home to Woodbridge (both 3pm).

With confidence high, the teams will be hoping to secure another double victory.

The games are being sponsored by The Station Buffet at Manningtree.