Eastern Counties One strugglers Westcliff are out to provide the shock of the day when they take on near-neighbours Canvey Island in Sunday's big Essex Cup, second-round derby game at Waterside Farm (1pm).

Westcliff are languishing at the bottom of the League without a win to their name, but are optimistic of upsetting their London League rivals after an encouraging performance against Saffron Walden last weekend.

Westcliff held the runaway League leaders to just 13 points in a brave defeat and coach Don Faulkener is hopeful his side can build on the display against Canvey.

He said: "We realise that Canvey are a division above us but we have played them quite a few times over the past few years and matches are about even."

Nevertheless, Westcliff are without influential hooker Darren Morrant, and take on a side who clearly have their tails up since the 25-15 victory over Rochford two weeks ago.

Canvey had previously found their League season a bit of a struggle, but made further progress last weekend when they beat West Norfolk 20-18 - a scoreline which flattered their hosts.

Canvey's London League 3NE rivals Basildon, meanwhile are hoping to transfer their impressive League form to the Essex Cup as they take on Eton Manor in Sunday's other plum second-round game (kick-off 2.15pm).

Basildon made waves with a resounding 33-8 victory over second-placed Chingford last week, but will have to be on their guard against traditionally one of the strongest sides in the competition.

Eton Manor are currently in the bottom half of London League 3, but have won the Essex Cup before and look to be on the up after some promising results.

Basildon spokesman Dai Griffiths admitted: "It's always hard to go and play at Eton Manor because they tend to have a very big crowd."

Basildon have a couple of injury worries, with skipper Gary Smith and centre Spencer Kackett both expected to miss the game, but Craig Dockerell is expected back in the side.

Unlucky Billericay also have terrible injury problems to contend with as they prepare to take on London League 3NE basement club Maldon in their own second-round tie.

Wing Neil Jarvis (hamstring), centre Adam Hudson (hamstring) and fly-half John Steven (knee) all look to be out, but hooker Paul Daly is hopeful of being fit in time.

The injury crisis comes at a difficult time for Billericay, who had to forfeit six League points a fortnight ago after a terrible run of bad luck.

Billericay are playing in the competition for the first time, but enter the game on the back of last week's morale-boosting 20-18 win at Woodbridge.

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