Eastern Counties Division Three Aldeburgh & Thorpeness 35 Mistley seconds 15 Aldeburgh and Thorpeness Rugby Club marked the opening of their new clubhouse with a fine season-opening win on Saturday, writes Malcolm Beer.

From the off Aldeburgh looked strong; making yards on visitors Mistley and playing most of the first half inside the Mistley 22.

With ten minutes gone, Aldeburgh’s new star Oscar Ellis took a flying pass on the wing to secure their first try of the season, which went unconverted.

Two minutes later, Mistley were awarded a penalty just outside the Aldeburgh 10-metre line and capitalised via the right foot of the number 10.

The favour was soon returned by Mistley, conceding a penalty at the ruck inside their own 10-metre line, allowing Ellis to secure an extra three points.

In the 40th minute disaster struck for Mistley as Harry Smith, on his return after three years out with injury, was struck down by a catastrophic knee injury.

In the second half, Mistley turned over Aldeburgh in the first 10 minutes to secure another try by their number 10, again not converted.

Aldeburgh battled back in the 55th minute, new-comer Ali Goodhead scoring a superb kick-through try, leaving Ellis to make a difficult kick look easy as he converted.

Then more unnecessary penalties at the ruck saw Ellis add another three points for Aldeburgh.

From the re-start, Aldeburgh were back inside Mistley’s 22m after a fantastic run and catch on the wing by Steve Anker allowing Vincent Lagos-Colombel to drive Aldeburgh over the line. Ellis was unable to convert.

The reply came from Mistley in the 68th minute, a try right between the sticks by their number 14 and easily converted.

In retort, Aldeburgh Captain Matt Deane stormed over the line to score in the 75th minute, although the conversion was missed again.

The final play saw a defensive Mistley hold Aldeburgh on their five-metre but with quick play through the hands, Aldeburgh put down try number five, Danny Collett converting.