BOTH Mistley Rugby Clubs should have been in action against Colchester on Saturday.

Their first team were due to play Colchester fourths, while the Marauders had a home game against Colchester's fifth XV.

Unfortunately, the fourth team conceded their fixture, due to having no front row and a lack of players.

A friendly was therefore hastily-arranged against a mixture of Ipswich second and third-team players, which Mistley won 54-0.

The Marauders' game went ahead but, from the start, the visitors opted for uncontested scrums.

They turned up with front row players but chose not to play them.

This put Mistley on the back foot and their bigger and more powerful pack were taken out of the game.

By the end of the first half, Colchester led 29-0, despite some outstanding defensive play from Angus Bissett, Lewis Stratton, who had his best game of the season, Jamie Dove, at full-back, Mark Hexley, Callum Hammond and John Phillips.

The second half belonged to Mistley, as they fought back in style with captain Jack Tompkins leading the way.

Tom Reidy came on wearing the Mistley top for the first time and added to the strength of the pack, together with Terry Regan.

Moby Turner then crashed through the Colchester forwards and scored one of his trademark tries to reduce the deficit to 29-7.

After a brilliant tackle from Chris Coogan, the ball was passed down the line to Liam Read, who soared ahead at great speed and nearly scored.

There was another further impressive run from Jamie Dove, but to no avail, and the second half was certainly won by Mistley.

Despite protestations, the result stood and a win to Colchester was recorded, albeit that they had the advantage of uncontested scrums.

Regardless of the result, the morale of the Marauders team has not dimmed and Tompkins praised his team for their sportsmanship and endeavour.

They still retain position at the top of the Eastern Counties League division four south table but Stowmarket are close behind with the advantage of two games in hand.

This weekend there are no matches and their next matches will be played on December 17.

Mistley will be holding a bazaar this Sunday at Mistley Village Hall, in Furze Hill, from 11am to 3pm.

Everyone is most welcome and hot refreshments will be served.

There are numerous stalls with Christmas goods for sale.