MISTLEY Rugby Club's Marauders produced a strong performance but could not prevent a 36-25 defeat at home to Maldon.

They were unable to complete an Eastern Counties League division four south double, having won the home fixture 26-0.

However, it was still an excellent display - one of their best of the season.

Maldon kicked-off and, despite some brilliant defending by Alex Weedon, James Wares and Kevin Nave, they drew first blood by scoring within seven minutes.

However, the Marauders quickly responded from some brilliant back-line play from Sam Ackerman.

He chipped the ball, allowing Jack Tompkins to pick it up on the bounce and go over the line.

Despite Mistley's scrum defending well, in particular Nick Moses and Terry Regan, Maldon scored their second try.

The Marauders picked themselves up, with Lewis Stratz and Charlie Barrett, back from university, valiantly pushing forward in the scrum.

However, a penalty was awarded to Maldon, enabling them to score through their fast backs and increase the lead to 17-5.

Moses went off injured and Tom Reidy came on.

Barrett then picked up the ball in the lineout and smashed through the Maldon defence to reduce the deficit to 17-10.

James Taz came on for the injured Harry Kerrins.

As the half progressed, Maldon scored again to increase the lead to 22-10.

When the conversion took place in front of the post, Liam Reed brilliantly charged down the ball to save a certain two points.

However, too many penalties were given away by Mistley and, by half-time, Maldon led 22-10.

The Marauders were not dispirited by the score as the second half started.

More intensive forward play from Angus Bissett and Barrett allowed Weedon to smash through the Maldon line - only to be held up.

Barrett suffered another knee injury and was replaced by brother Freddie.

Reece Kirkham came on for Reidy to bolster and strengthen the scrum, while Dan Hexley, one of Mistley's band of talented youngsters, came on and made an immediate impact in the scrum.

Mistley still applied pressure but they could not penetrate the Maldon defence.

However, Tompkins was able to execute a drop goal to reduce the deficit to 22-13.

Maldon came back and, despite Mistley's continued pressure, a fumbled ball was picked up and Maldon scored.

The try was duly converted, giving them a 29-13 lead.

A missed opportunity from Chris Coogan, on the wing, brought Mistley back into the Maldon quarter.

More outstanding forward play from Bissett, Taz and Weedon allowed Dan Hexley to smash over the line and score and Tompkins successfully converted to reduce the deficit to 29-20.

Maldon responded with a drive from the lineout to score and to increase their lead to 36-20.

However, Mistley were not going to give up and Matt Hexley, Dan's younger brother, replaced Regan.

Scrum-half Will Vine had another pulsating game, together with Kirkham, to keep the forwards in check.

Following another surge forward, it was the turn of Dan Hexley to score and to end the game at 36-25.

Mistley coach Dai Kenyon was delighted with the performance, despite the loss.

The Marauders maintain their position as third in the table, with Maldon and Hadleigh above.

Tomorrow, Mistley's first team face league leaders Mersea Island, while the Marauders play Mersea's second XV.

Both games will be played at Furze Hill, with the first team kicking off at 2.45pm and the Marauders at 2.15pm.

The games are being sponsored by Invision Advanced Windows and Busybody's Fitness, of Manningtree.