LOOKING to continue their impressive start to the season, Guisborough RUFC entertained Seaham at a breezy Guisborough Belmangate, ground.

An early penalty awarded to Guisborough was kicked to touch five metres from the Seaham try-line. Rob Leggott rose to catch the line-out ball and a forwards’ drive saw Oli Taggart touch down for the opening score of the match.

Joe Whyman kept play in his opponents’ 22 with an accurate kick from his own half. After several phases of play, a penalty was conceded by Seaham. Electing to run the ball, the hosts edged upfield. Matthew Flint’s strong run drew defenders, before a pass to Alex Ruff allowed him to power through tackles and cross the whitewash. From the restart Seaham put their first points on the board through a kick at goal from 25 metres out, after the referee had spotted an infringement by Guisborough. The hosts continued to dominate possession and territory, but a stubborn Seaham defence kept out a steady stream of attacks by the home team.

Eventually, Guisborough found a way through the defensive wall. Taggart was held up over the try-line, allowing Seaham to restart with a clearance kick from under the posts. From the left wing, a swift attack gave Michael McDougall a chance to break through the middle. Play moved to the right wing where Oli Muir charged over to score. Immediately, the home team increased their lead. Gareth Lodge found himself out on the right flank of the pitch. Running into the opposition 22, a short pass found Mitch Cannon, who sprinted over to touch down in the corner. With the last phase of the half Seaham doubled their points tally, when a further penalty was awarded in their favour. A successful kick from 30 metres out took the game into the interval with the scoreboard reading Guisborough 24, Seaham 6.

The visitors started the second half well, with a fast break from their own half, followed by a kick ahead into the home team 22. An illegal block on the chasing Seaham player gave them a penalty on the Guisborough 22 metre line, which was duly dispatched with another accurate kick at goal. Stung into action, Whyman broke through defenders on the left wing. Cannon was on his shoulder and thundered towards the Seaham 22, before an inside pass released Taggart, who beat defenders to score.

More attacks by the hosts were thwarted by some strong tackling by the visitors, but also by some sloppy passing when it appeared as though Guisborough were going to score. Finally a break paid dividends, as Ewan Cameron dodged and wove through tackles to increase his team’s lead. The young centre added a second try in his team’s next attack. From a line-out, Whyman sliced through Seaham defenders and unselfishly passed to Cameron, who cantered under the posts. With the visitors tiring under persistent waves of attack, Guisborough found themselves once more deep in opposition territory being awarded a penalty. A quick-tap and go saw the ball shipped to the right wing, where Cannon was on hand to finish off the move.

From the restart Lewis Robson ran out of his 22 metre area and found space up the middle of the pitch. Halted on the Seaham 22, recycled ball was interfered with by a retreating defender, which earned him a yellow card. The resulting penalty gave Jack Robinson the opportunity to run forward towards the posts. Whyman’s long, flat pass then found Robson, who scored the last try of the game. The referee brought the game to its conclusion with the score at Guisborough 55, Seaham 9.

Joe Whyman, along with his Mum and Dad (Mandy and Chris) were presented with club shirts after the final whistle. Unfortunately for the club Joe is emigrating, with his partner Alex, to the United States and joining up with older brother Sam. An exceptional kicker of the ball, and regular points scorer, his skills and experience will be sorely missed.

On Saturday Guisborough play Hartlepool (second in the league) at the Belmangate ground.