HIGH-FLYING Harwich and Dovercourt Rugby Club are preparing for their toughest test of the season.

Coach Shane Manning is steeling his players for a showdown against Tendring rivals Clacton, in the Suffolk Cup quarter-finals.

The sides are set to do battle this afternoon, at Low Road (kick-off 2pm).

And Manning is warning his troops that they will have to be at their best in order to advance to the last four.

“It’s our hardest test to date,” he said.

“Clacton play two leagues above us and, even though they’re struggling up there, they’ll really test us.

“They’ve been playing harder rugby all season and because they’ve been struggling, they’ll be desperate for the win.

“We’ll need to be at our best and prepared for our hardest game so far.

“An 80-minute performance will be needed if we’re to progress to the next round.”

Manning felt his side’s superior fitness was a key factor in last week’s 34-0 victory at Hadleigh.

Harwich are second in Eastern Counties League division two south and Hadleigh fourth.

“It was definitely a game of two halves,” said Manning.

“I was a bit frustrated in the first half because we created a few try-scoring chances but couldn’t finish them off, either due to sloppy hands or just taking the wrong option.

“However, Hadleigh provided a tough physical test and the boys stood up to it.

“Our defence was top-notch, so that was pleasing.

“The second half was a lot better and we controlled the game.

“Hadleigh were never in it.

“Our superior fitness took its toll on their defence and that, combined with better execution and structure, meant we scored some well-worked tries.”

Robert Edgar out-paced the home defence to score Harwich’s first try, within a minute, but they had to wait until the end of the half before a break by Kier Blacker was finished off by Jack Cairns.

Manning and captain Kyle Hutchins addressed the players at half-time and told them to go back to basics.

That was exactly what the team did in the second period.

George Brunning was introduced and put in some big tackles, which inspired his team-mates.

Harwich took advantage of their hosts tiring and their superior fitness paid off.

They scored a well-worked team try, finished off in the left-hand corner by Blacker, and converted by Shaun Fox.

Another try followed shortly after.

Brunning made a break from halfway and, after fending of a few would-be tacklers, he off-loaded to veteran full-back Nic Falavino to run in and score for 22-0.

Falavino then caught the ball from the restart and kicked for position.

However, the kick was not dealt with by Hadleigh and Harwich turned the ball over for man-of-the-match Falavino to score another try, converted by Fox.

With time running out, scrum-half Josh Jones broke down the blindside to score a fine individual try, making it 34-0.