Hartlepool Rovers Heughers got their CANDY League campaign back on track with a gritty home victory over local rivals Seaton Carew.

Seaton came flying out of the blocks and were clearly up for the derby, scoring two converted tries before the Heughers had a chance to settle into the game.

0-14

Rovers responded well and began to play some rugby of their own. Strong carries from Joe Ward and Jonjo Maitland gave the pack plenty of momentum and provided the platform for Jay Wintersgill, fresh back from a warm-weather training camp in the Mediterranean, to crash over for the home side's first try. Co-captain Dazz Fawcett added the conversion.

7-14

Ben Glaister-Smith was next on the scoresheet with a sharp, darting run to claim his first try of the afternoon. Fawcett was again on target with the conversion.

14-14

The Rovers pack then powered the hosts into the lead for the first time, with Joe Ward forcing his way over from close range.

19-14

Some excellent backs play created the next score. Quick-thinking youngster Justin Owen broke into space, made significant ground and offloaded to Kieran Wright, who finished the move in style.

26-14

Seaton responded with an unconverted try to pull themselves back into the contest.

26-19

Glaister-Smith grabbed his second try of the game against his former club to extend Rovers' advantage.

31-19

Seaton's young winger then rounded off a powerful attacking move with an unconverted try in the corner to put the pressure back on the home side.

31-24

The Heughers sealed victory with the try of the match. Martin Dixon, Harry Hay and Jon Sanderson all made valuable metres before Glaister-Smith spotted Justin Owen joining the line at pace on halfway. Owen broke two tackles, stepped the full-back and raced away to score beneath the posts. Fawcett added the straightforward conversion.

38-24

Full credit to Seaton, who kept battling throughout and at one stage looked capable of running away with the game. More than 40 players contributed to an excellent contest in a fiercely competitive Miff-Lithgo Shield encounter.

Man of the Match went to Joe Ward, who excelled in the lineout, worked tirelessly around the pitch for the full 80 minutes and was outstanding defensively, while also getting his name on the scoresheet.