The opposition turned out to be a combined Seaton, Hartlepool BBOB and Acklam squad. As you can imagine big mushes and plenty of them.

In contrast the young Stags team (with exceptions of Mixie, Liam Larkin and Mark Lund – combined age estimated at 140 years) eventually had 15 players with Jay L’Anson arriving 5 minutes before kick-off, the powerful 8 having slept in!

And so, to kick off. On sunny but windy day te Stags started down the bank with a strong gale blowing in their favour. Despite the elements with it was Seaton who scored within 5 minutes 5-0. The Stags quickly responded with Mark Lund finishing off a fluid move out wide, Quinny adding the extras with an excellent conversion 5-7. Seaton continued to pressure Wests defence managing to score 2 further tries.

Mid-way through the half period of sustained pressure eventually saw Fin Ridley barge over from short range 19-12. Just as we seemed to be building momentum a series of missed tackles and lack of communication again give Seaton the opportunity to extend their lead, with 2 additional scores.
HT 33-12

The story of the second half was much the same as the first. Whenever we seemed to be growing a bit of pressure a missed tackle allowed Seaton to break, particularly from the Seaton 9 (who unsurprisingly was a Lithgo).

Seaton extended the lead further with 2 additional scores taking the score to 47-12. The hard-working openside Liam Larkin hard work was rewarded as he crashed over from 5 metres (this was later to extended to 22!) 47-17. Seaton scored 1 more try and conversion 54-17.

However. It was one of Wests young forwards who had the last word. After plenty of strong running and big tackles Jay L’Anson muscled his way over, topping an encouraging return to rugby.

Despite the defeat a good run about and played in the correct spirit. West Stags predominantly young team continuing to learn.
FT 54 - 24
MOTM: Liam Larkin
Ref: Can’t play without them 9/10
Food: A Classic - Pie and peas, no gravy thus only 8.5/10