16th November – Queen's Field
Result: Aldeburgh 17 Mistley 22
Close match with a nail-biting finish
A big crowd saw a close fought match which ended with Aldeburgh camping on Mistley’s line, desperately trying to get the try and conversion needed for a win. Mistley held out to their delight and Aldeburgh’s frustration.
A further influx of players saw Aldeburgh field a full squad. Mistley brought with them their position at the top of the table, some big forwards and what turned out to be a useful set of backs. After early exchanges, Mistley kicked a penalty, given for not releasing, from outside the 22. Soon after, Aldeburgh tried to return the compliment but missed the first time. A second opportunity, from further out, was put through the posts by fly half, Ed Robson, to bring the scores level.
As the half progressed, Aldeburgh began to impose themselves. A sweeping move appeared to have led to a try but the winger’s foot was in touch. Soon after the forwards took up the charge with Charlie Blakeley (recently persuaded to play again) going over for the try. Ed converted.
Charlie continued to make his bulldozing runs from No 8 without support players being able to link up effectively with him to keep the ball moving. But Mistley were too good to be dominated for long. As well as fronting up in the forwards, their backs began to click, eventually rounding off a splendid move with a try by the right wing. The conversion was missed leaving Aldeburgh with a narrow lead at 10-8.
On the stroke of half time, Aldeburgh were again pressing. Ed threw out a long pass to create space for Adam Hateley on the wing. Adam ran strongly as ever but was tackled just short of the line. From the ruck, the ball came out to Jon Hunt in the centre (are there any positions this man doesn’t play?) He was static when he received the ball, shook off a tackler, ran straight, barged away another potential tackler and scored under the posts. Ed converted for a 17-8 half time lead. It was looking promising.
However, within a few minutes of the restart, the Mistley forwards rumbled over from a tap penalty after a period of pressure. A high tackle gave Mistley the chance of another penalty which hit the post. After only 12 minutes of the second half, Mistley’s fly half, who had an outstanding game, scored the try of the match. He picked up a clearance kick and jinked his way past several would be tacklers to score a sparkling try. The conversion again hit the post but this time it went over.
The Mistley fly half and his inside centre led the way in the second half, controlling much of the game. Neither side could get a decisive advantage. Towards the end, Aldeburgh began to get on top, pressing hard to Mistley’s line. The final move of the game saw Aldeburgh’s full back bundled into touch as he was going for the line.
Neither side gained a bonus point for tries but Aldeburgh did get one for scoring fewer than seven points less than Mistley. Great entertainment for the spectators, a competitive match for the players. Mistley continue their dominance of the league. Aldeburgh can be heartened by seeing so many new, keen players joining.
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