Seaham joy at fourth win on trot

Seaham continued their good run in Durham/ Northumberland Division Three on Saturday, making it four wins on the trot by edging out hosts Prudhoe & Stocksfield 14-13.

Seaham shrugged off the loss of big No 8 Chris Bland, who was unable to play due to family commitments.

With a blustery cross wind and wet conditions underfoot, Seaham started strongly and looked to pin the home side back, however Prudhoe he struck first in an errorlittered first half, firing over an early penalty after Seaham were penalised for going offside.

Seaham struck back through prop Brad Smith, who smashed a hole in the home line to score a try, Jack Adamson added a conversion, but Prudhoe hit back with an unconverted try to lead 8-7 at the break.

The hosts extended their lead with a try in the corner from their exellent No 8, going down the blindside from a five-metre scrum. The conversion was missed, so Seaham trailed 13-7.

Seaham were on top for much of the rest of the game, but unforced errors, difficult conditions and a resolute defence kept the gap at six points.

But, eventually, veteran second row Matty Fisher ran an excellent line through the gap to touch down for a welldeserved try. Man of the match Adamson added a difficult conversion to see the visitors a point ahead, and they held on manfully under pressure in the closing stages.

Grant Dixon was praised for an all-action display, with Seaton Carew next up for Seaham on December 9.

The win took Seaham, now with six wins under their belt in nine league games, up to fourth place, two points behind Seaton Carew.

Prudhoe must be commended for the fundraising and collections they do for the local food bank – a good example of rugby showing it’s more than just a sport.

Second-placed Houghton, meanwhile, maintained their promotion charge with a 29-5 triumph against Yarm at Dairy Lane, their eighth win in nine games.