HARWICH and Dovercourt Rugby Club coach Shane Manning is taking nothing for granted heading into tomorrow’s Suffolk Plate final at neighbours Mistley.

The sides met in an Eastern Counties League division two contest last weekend and it was the men from Low Road who showed their class to win 43-13.

By strange coincidence, the rivals are now set to meet again, this time in the Plate but again at Furze Hill (kick-off 1.45pm).

And although his side enjoyed a comfortable victory last time out, Manning insists there will be no complacency from his Harwich side.

Mistley, he knows, will be determined to set the record straight.

“Even though we were dominant, we know Mistley will be hurting and will want to bounce back,” he told the Standard.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if there are only a few points between the sides at the final whistle tomorrow.

“We’ll prepare for a hard game and won’t take anything for granted.

“We need to refocus and certainly won’t take Mistley lightly. They have nothing to lose and would love to cause a huge upset.”

Harwich will certainly head into the final in buoyant mood, after last week’s success at Furze Hill.

The half-time score was 17-7 and, impressively, Shaun Fox scored 23 of Harwich’s points.

It was an excellent way for them to bounce back, after the previous weekend’s disappointment – their first loss of the season – against Colchester thirds.

“It was a 100 per cent improvement,” said Manning.

“Our forwards stood up and outplayed their counter-parts, while our scrum and line-outs were vastly improved on the Colchester game.

“We turned over a lot of ball at the set-piece and scored a pushover try, which would was very pleasing for the boys up front.

“Our back row of Si Palmer, David Parkin and Robert Edgar really complimented each other and outplayed their opposite numbers, which meant we controlled the breakdown area.”

Mistley chairman William Meston is backing his side to do themselves justice and said: “Be assured we will fight back and refocus our attention on the game.”

Meanwhile, Mistley are holding an open day for young players interested in joining them.

The event, for 12 to 16-year-olds, is being held on Sunday, from 11.30am until 1pm.

Players of all ability and experience will be welcome and refreshments will be served.