Early exchanges set the tone with West pack dominating both scrum and lineouts but the conditions often resulting in spilt balls and the inevitable knock on.

West could, and probably should,have scored 2 early tries with Dom Cox and Jordan Painter combining well out wide only to be thwarted by a high tackle, from resulting penalty beaming new dad Alex Johnson was held up over the line allowing Seaton to clear their line and relieve early pressure.

It was, however, Seaton who scored first electing to tak a penalty from in front, after West caught offside, 3-0 (ball lost in a back garden).

Dom Cox needed to leave the field after a bang to the shoulder, Gabs Smyth replacing him a full-back. Gabs had an immediate impact working the wide channels well with Jordan Painter. From this attack the Stags quickly moved the ball to the opposite wing, young Matty Baggs was left with plenty to do but an outrageous goose step allowed him to squeeze in at the far corner. Extras missed 3-5.

Stags' catch and drive lineouts were working well all afternoon and the next score came from an excellent 30m drive up field with Charlie Kay touching down. Extras from Zac 3-12. Seaton then took advantage from another encroachment, a quick tap penalty and slack West tackling allowed Seaton 9 to break with excellently timed offload to supporting winger sees Seaton in under the posts. 10-12.

A Stu Waites kick to the corner sees big Jake Linighan steal the Seaton throw and again the driving maul was used to good effect with Jake touching down out wide. Extras missed 10-17.
HT 10-17
The second half of the game drifted into a bit a kicking battle for 20 minutes or so, coupled with handling errors. Season now going down the bank had the slight territorial advantage but chances few and far. Around the 20-minute mark a melee in West 22 results in the mysterious cat seeing a red and a Seaton player a yellow. In true Arsen Wenger style, I missed the incident so can’t comment further. From penalty Seaton go in under posts, adding extras to draw level. 17-17.

For the final 15 minutes West held Seaton in their own 22 with some solid defence and excellent return kicks. Unfortunately, in one return kick Stu Waites injured his shoulder in contact and made a familiar trip to hospital. With the game looking like it might finish level Gabs decided to use his pace to break the Seaton defensive  line and score under the sticks from 30m. Extras from Zac. 17-24.

Mixie’s dog made a late arrival and seemed contend playing with West new training balls. Owner to be invoiced for damages.
FT 17-24

Stags: Cox, Painter, Todd, Southern, Baggs M, Waites, Parker, Hadwen, Johnson, Coates, Tyers, Wray, Linighan, Kay, McClurg. Sub (used) Godfrey, Liston (Spud), Caswell, Larkin, Briggs, Smyth, Baggs J (not used) Mixie.

MOTM: Charlie Kay – young man is becoming a serious nuisance on the openside ….. keep up the good work
Tea: Missed due to late changing room departure, smelled nice!!!