Chairman Male is relishing derby Plate battle (From Harwich and Manningtree Standard)

Chairman Male is relishing derby Plate battle

1:00pm Friday 15th March 2013 in Local Sport By Matt Plummer

HARWICH and Dovercourt Rugby Club are relishing the prospect of renewing their rivalry with neighbours Clacton.

The Tendring sides are preparing for a rare and eagerly-awaited meeting in tomorrow’s Suffolk Plate semi-final at Wick Lane.

The teams rarely meet at first-team level, with holders Harwich playing in the Eastern Counties League and Clacton in the Essex League.

And Harwich chairman Barry Male – a veteran of numerous derby matches during his playing days – is expected a hotly-contested encounter, with the eventual winners vying not only for a place in the final but also home advantage against either Ipswich YM or Southwold.

“This is our first meeting for some time and we’re really looking forward to it,” said the Wick Lane stalwart.

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