HARWICH and Dovercourt Rugby Club could still be promoted this season, depending on possible restructuring in the Eastern Counties League.

The Low Road side finished second in division two south, for the second season in a row, and ended their campaign with a victory at home to Hadleigh on Saturday.

Only the champions – Colchester’s third team – automatically gain promotion.

However, Harwich head coach Shane Manning believes there is still a chance his side could go up.

And he believes thinks it would do his players good to be in a more competitive league that will allow them to “learn, grow and progress”.

“We’ve now got to wait and see how a possible league restructure could affect us,” said Manning.

“We don’t know what league we’ll end up in, but I hope we end up in a more competitive league, so the players are challenged every game and we can continue to learn, grow and progress as a team and club.”

Harwich are now ready for a well-deserved off-season after finishing with another win on Saturday.

They were below par in the first half against Hadleigh, but responded when the pressure was on to run out 38-20 victors.

“It’s fair to say we weren’t at our best, but the lads showed that when they’re up against it they can produce the goods,” said Manning.

“We started poorly and Hadleigh played well.

“However, in the second half, we showed why we’re second in the league and have only lost three times in two seasons. Our second-half display blew Hadleigh away.

“Kyle Hutchins directed the team well and gave the side the spark we needed, and our back row of Simon Palmer, Robert Edgar and George Brunning were awesome.”