Saturday 7th. March 2009
Seaton Carew 18 Blyth 3
League leaders Seaton Carew kept their 100% record when they completed the double over Blyth at a windswept Hornby Park in an undistinguished game. While the win was not in dispute Blyth played better than the score might suggest and also suffered the misfortune of considerable disruption with two players having to be substituted due to injury in the first 15 minutes.
Blyth kicked off with a strong wind at their backs and missed an early penalty. Seaton Carew seemed bent on a spoiling game using up time and conserving their energy for the second half. At the quarter hour mark Blyth lost centre Graeme Sutherland with a shoulder injury, Dean Langdown substituting and tight head prop Lee Dunwoodie with a neck injury, Kevin Barratt replacing. Play was fragmented and although most of it took place in the Seaton Carew half Blyth were unable to capitalise losing possession and conceding penalties as their frustration grew. It was not until the final minute of the first half that a score was registered with fly half Gregg Dawson kicking a penalty to give Blyth a 3-0 lead at the break.
At the resumption, as expected, Seaton launched themselves at Blyth and were rewarded with an early try from Number 8 Murray Stockdale. Blyth fought back with some strong running from their backs but were unlucky to suffer further disruption when Number 8 Stefan Krzysiak suffered a knee injury and had to be replaced by Barry Harnett. A second try from fly half Jason Norman followed by a penalty by full back Craig Moffatt stretched Seaton’s lead to 13-3.
Blyth now had their best spell mounting a series of attacks which had Seaton penned in their own 22 but the final passes kept going astray. Seaton continued their spoiling and time wasting tactics and were eventually reduced to 13 men when referee Mick Hannon finally lost patience and produced two yellow cards. It was too late for Blyth to take advantage as with too many players having to play in unfamiliar positions they were clearly running out of steam as well as time. A cruel twist came right at the death when restored to full strength, Seaham scored a breakaway try through centre Jeff Storey.
Blyth’s ‘Man of the Match’ was Steve Pattison, drafted into the centre at the age of 42 and having lost his partner Sutherland, gave a mini master class, holding the visitors’ youthful back division together.
Next Saturday March 14th Blyth play host to bottom club Seaham Harbour. K.O. 3.00pm.
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