A BUMPER crowd turned out for Mistley Rugby Club's annual President's Day.

They were treated to a close-fought match, with the hosts taking on a mixed team featuring Harwich and Dovercourt, Hadleigh and Norwich Union players.

Mistley's Harry Kerins opened the scoring but, as became the theme of the game, the president's team fought back with vigour to level the score.

Charlie Barrett, the 6ft youngster, showed his mettle by pushing over the line to put Mistley back in front but the president's team quickly responded to level the score at 10-10.

Alastair Baggiony-Taylor sped down the line to score and put Mistley ahead and by half-time it was 17-12.

In the second half there was a surprise and welcome return for veteran Phil Weedon, a former Mistley player who came on for the president's team and played alongside brother Alex.

Phil Weedon levelled the score, but Matt Aspinall quickly responded to put Mistley back in the lead and Jack Tompkins' conversion made it 24-17.

However, two more tries from the president's team gave them a 29-24 victory.

Outgoing Mistley president William Meston thanked all those involved for an entertaining and enjoyable game.

Afterwards the club's player-of-the-season awards ceremony took place and the trophies were handed out by outgoing captain Nick Graves.

The winners were Will Vine (first team player-of-the-year), Tompkins (Marauders player-of-the-year), Kyle Fox (player-of-the-season), Fred Barrett (first team animal), Angus Bissett (Marauders animal), Richard Johnson, Anthony Wares and Chris Coogan (most improved players) and Simon Carter (clubman-of-the-year).

Newly-appointed first-team captain Mattie Course will be taking a taking a squad to Colchester on Sunday for a sevens tournament, starting at 12pm.

Meanwhile, Mistley had a busy and productive morning on Sunday as they hosted under-six to under-12 teams from Mersea Island.

Over 100 young players attended.

Mistley head youth coach Carter was delighted with the numbers and performances and emphasised the strength and growth of the club's youth teams over the last few year.