MISTLEY were crushed 125-0 at top-of-the-table Ipswich YM, in Eastern Counties League division one south on Saturday.

The Suffolk side had a 100 per cent record while playing under floodlights for the first time, still with a depleted squad due to absences and injury, did not help Mistley's cause.

With one win out of seven, they knew this season would be challenging and not helped by having to cram all 14 league games into 18 weeks.

There was therefore little time for injuries to heal.

Ipswich were dominant from the moment the whistle blew and, within 15 minutes, the Suffolk side had scored four tries.

Their powerful and fast three-quarters pounded through the defence at every opportunity.

After 60 minutes, Mistley had conceded 100 points but when asked by their hosts if they wanted to concede, the opportunity was declined.

Mistley continued to fight on with commendable courage and grit to play out the rest of the fixture.

In their match report, Ipswich praised Mistley for their forbearance and admitted that the Mistley pack was the first this season they were not able to push around.

However, Ipswich moved the ball wide and their pacy backs were able to find gaps and recycle the ball quickly to score at will.

By the end, Ipswich had comprehensively won 125-0.

Mistley director of rugby Bertie Baxter said that despite the result, his players showed great passion and pride and should hold their heads high.

The Marauders were at home against Colchester's fifth XV, made up of some very experienced older players.

The game was level-pegging up to the last ten minutes, until Colchester converted a drop goal and converted try to win 31-21.

Again, the Marauders players all showed the qualities expected from a Mistley player.

This weekend the first team face Sudbury Talbots at home (kick-off 2.30pm).

In addition, the Mistley Rugby Club Christmas Bazaar will be held on Sunday, November 19 at Furze Hill, starting at 11am.

There will be many stalls together with refreshments.

Money raised will help towards the new clubhouse funds.

On Sunday, Mistley officials will lay a wreath on behalf of the club at Mistley War Memorial at 10.40am.