Eastern Counties 1 - Thurston 19 Mistley 14

THURSTON had only lost one of their 13 games this season but were trailing second to Hadleigh as they had 10 points deducted from the start of the season.

Mistley were without some key players, mostly due to injuries, so as a result they had to call upon second team players, Chris Humphreys and Nick Moses.

In addition Bertie Baxter made a welcome return after a long injury spell. The game started well with some excellent work from the forwards and Steven Betts in the centre.

After a missed penalty, Thurston drew first blood and scored.

Twelve minutes later, tempers were frayed as Sam Rowe was given a yellow card and Thurston scored again, this time through a converted try.

At the beginning of the second half, the Mistley scrum powered ahead but could not take full advantage and Thurston scored their third try of the afternoon.

At 19-0 Thurston thought the game was wrapped up, but Mistley started to play like a different team

Gary Booker pushed forward and scored Mistley’s first try, converted by Donovan Browne.

Mistley continued to apply pressure and Michael Stevens and Tobias Phillips played with great determination.

Sam Rowe scored the second try and Mistley’s deficit was reduced to a final score of 19-14.