MISTLEY Rugby Club faced Ipswich's second team in their first home game of the Eastern Counties League season.

After their mauling by Mersea Island the previous week, they knew they had a fight on their hands - especially after losing last season's corresponding game 65-0 - and they eventually went down 22-9.

Confidence was high but, unfortunately, Mistley did not play to their potential following the welcome return of Tobias Phillips and Rob Bloom.

Ipswich fielded an experienced side and scored within the first few minutes.

Following hard work from forwards Anthony Ward, Gary Booker and Ryan Knapton, and strict refereeing from Ross Cowie, Mistley were awarded a penalty that was kicked by Matt Course to reduce the deficit to 5-3.

Knapton then went off injured and Course missed another penalty.

However, Course kicked well in the lineout and scored a further penalty as an Ipswich player was offside.

At 6-5 ahead and with thanks to some aggressive play from Bloom and Reece Kirkham in the centre, Mistley began to dominate as an Ipswich player was given a yellow card.

Will Vine, in his unusual position at scrum-half, helped his side get on top and there was some dominant play from captain Nick Graves and Phillips.

Mistley were awarded another penalty and, with a difficult kick, Course increased the lead to 9-5.

Ipswich responded with a penalty to bring the score to 9-8 at half-time.

Coach Dai Kenyon felt the game was even at half-time but felt confident that his side could secure a victory.

However, within five minutes of the second half, Ipswich scored and, with the conversion, went back into the lead at 15-9.

There then followed an onslaught of pressure from Ipswich to increase their lead to 22-9.

Mistley were awarded a penalty for a high tackle but Course, having an indifferent day, missed the posts.

Mistley did fight back with some excellent forward play but, again, with another penalty missed, the score ended 22-9 to Ipswich.

Kenyon said there were too many missed tackles and, despite training, the game plan never came to fruition on the pitch.

Tomorrow the first team are away to Hadleigh (kick-off 2.30pm) while the Marauders are at home to Ipswich's third XV (3pm).