HARWICH and Dovercourt Rugby Club skipper Joe Francis wants his players to show their passion and pride in order to help stave off relegation.

The Wick Lane side are in danger of being sucked through the trapdoor, following last week’s dramatic 17-16 defeat at home to Newmarket.

It leaves them third from bottom in Eastern Counties League division one, above Broadland-Great Yarmouth and basement boys Crusaders and four points behind Mersea Island.

However, it was a much-improved performance and Francis is calling for another big effort in tomorrow’s match at Woodbridge.

“We have a lot to do – there’s no doubt about that – and we need to play with our hearts on our sleeves," he said.

“If we don’t, we’re going down and it’s as simple as that."

For the full story and rugby reports, see this week's Standard.