Felixstowe Badgers made it eleven wins on the bounce with a hard-fought 17–10 victory over Mistley Marauders on a perfect, bright Saturday afternoon (24/01).

Conditions could not have been better for running rugby, but it was defensive intensity rather than free-flowing attack that defined the early exchanges. Felixstowe’s aggressive line speed set the tone from the outset, though it proved a little too keen at times. On 4:27, pressure inside their own 22 saw the referee’s arm raised, and Mistley calmly slotted the penalty to take a 3–0 lead.

The opening half was scrappy, with both sides struggling to find rhythm. Handling errors and breakdown battles prevented either team from playing the rugby they are capable of. Felixstowe gradually began to edge territory and possession, and their pressure finally told on 29 minutes. A strong carry from Keanan sucked in defenders and created quick ball. Scrum-half Tom Gibson moved it swiftly to Nat, who spotted Jono hitting a tight, hard line at pace. Jono sliced clean through the Mistley defence to score, with Nat adding the conversion for a 7–3 Felixstowe lead.

At the break, the scoreline reflected a tense contest. Felixstowe looked marginally on top, but with Mistley’s bench waiting in the wings, the game was finely poised and very much alive.

The second half followed a similar pattern until a moment of individual brilliance lit up the afternoon. On 65 minutes, Oliver Carr thundered forward, was hauled down, but presented the ball superbly. From the base of the ruck on halfway, Tom Gibson spotted space, accelerated through the gears, shrugged off multiple tackles and burned past three defenders to finish an outstanding solo try. The conversion drifted wide, but Felixstowe extended their lead to 12–3.

Mistley responded almost immediately. Just three minutes later, their young scrum-half showed real quality, darting under the posts for a well-taken try and conversion to close the gap to 12–10. It was a reminder of the talent Mistley are building for the future and set up a nervy final quarter.

Felixstowe answered when it mattered most. Camped on Mistley’s five-metre line at 71:26, repeated penalties began to mount. Alex Allan was tackled but not released, and from the ensuing advantage Nat shipped the ball to Fred Brewster. One sharp jink and a powerful finish saw Brewster crash over, with the conversion deemed wide the score to 17–10.

The final eight minutes belonged to Mistley in terms of possession and territory, but Felixstowe’s defence, the cornerstone of their season, stood firm. Tackle after tackle, clearance after clearance, the Badgers refused to yield, battling with everything they had to close out the match.

It may not have been a classic, but in bright sunshine and under pressure, Felixstowe once again showed why they are winning tight games, resilience, moments of quality and a refusal to give in. Eleven straight wins, and the run rolls on.

We also say goodbye to Matthew Weideman, who leaves Felixstowe Rugby Club having made a huge impact both on and off the pitch. A committed defender, a strong presence in the lineout, and a player who always gave everything for the badge. Good luck in Surrey, Matthew - you’ll always be welcome back at Felixstowe Rugby Club.