Rugby: Dixon at the double to inspire dramatic Seaham victory

With a vicious wind at their backs, Seaham put Blyth under early pressure and were rewarded when Graeme ‘Kes’ Steel a penalty on the edge of the 22 for a 3-0 lead.

Blyth fought back immediately, capitalising on some defensive mistakes from Seaham, to go over for a try in the corner, going 5-3 up.

Seaham dominated the rest of the half and, following a multi-phase move, the ball was spun out to Glen Hardie, who put Nathan Rich into the corner for a fine try.

Just before half-time, Scott Patterson scored a fine second try to make it 13-5 following a scrum in front the posts.

Seaham expected to be under the cosh on the restary, but John Dixon popped up on the left wing and put in a brilliant run from halfway, rolling back the years to score in the corner for an 18-5 lead.

From that point, the game was messy, and Blyth scored again to keep themselves in it. However, Seaham scoreda fourth try when Dixon smashed through the ruck area and ran the ball, again from near halfway, to score with plenty in the tank. Steel added a conversion.

Blyth’s pressure saw prop Nick Fraser smash through Matthew Wharton and over the top of Nathan Rich for a deserved try, then their winger bagged a converted score, but Seaham held on to win 25-22.

This weekend, Seaham are away to Chester-le-Street who will baying for blood following Seaham’s last-minute winner in the cup last time they played.

Seaham look forward to welcoming back mercurial back Jack Adamson from injury and Adam Larkin from work commitments.