Seaham second best at Horden

Taking a rest from league duties, Seaham gave several new faces a run-out and travelled to Horden & Peterlee to take on their seconds.

The opening half was very well contested against a strong looking opposition, with Graeme Steel crossing for a try, converted by Glen Hardie.

Horden scored an unconverted try, but Glen Hardie regained the lead for the Harbour when he crossed to make it 12-5.

Once again, the hosts replied with a try, but this time they added the conversion to tie matters at 12-12.

Liam Bowek capped a fine opening half with a try in the corner, but Hardie’s conversion attempt drifted just wide of the mark.

So, when Horden scored a converted try they turned around leading 1917 at the break.

The hosts introduced fresh legs for the second half and all of a sudden looked a lot stronger, faster and cohesive.

Amongst them was Seaham old boy - and current Horden first-teamer - Sean McCallum.

Kurt Miller, Brad Smith and Chris Bland helped their pack mates take the game to the hosts.

Alas, they had too much pace and power along the back line. Inevitably, they added five tries and three conversions to take a 50-17 lead.

However, Seaham refused to buckle and a clever sniping break by Elliott Pratt made them good ground.

The ball was recycled and James Bromley popped a clever pass to Ian Chapman, who jinked through the defence before touching down under the posts. Graeme Steel’s conversion made it 50-24.

The Harbour battled to the final whistle, but there were to be no further scores.