HARWICH and Dovercourt Rugby Club coach Shane Manning admitted being “extremely proud” after watching his side defeat Clacton 17-10, in the Suffolk Cup quarter-final.

He warned prior to kick-off that his team faced their sternest test of the season, against London League opposition.

However, he felt his players stood up to the challenge and finished as worthy winners, after a hard slog in the Low Road mud.

The sides matched each other with two tries apiece, but two conversions and a penalty sealed a deserved victory for the hosts.

“I was extremely proud of how the guys stood up to a much larger team,” said Manning, whose team were watched by a crowd of over 300.

“We dominated scrums and line-outs and, again, our fitness was far superior.

“The lads delivered an 80-minute effort.

“Our young guys had never played a game like that before but looked more than comfortable.”