Seaton Rangers played their first game as a National Conference club when they hosted Hensingham in a pre-season friendly.
It was a good and even contest between two sides who will come up against each other in the Third Division when the season gets underway next month.
Seaton will take heart from the 22-20 victory but there was plenty to encourage the new Hensingham coach Jessie Joe Parker, the former Whitehaven and Papua New Guinea star.
Hensingham, who were the last Cumbrian side to join the Conference ahead of Seaton, went in front after 11 minutes with a try from Noel Branthwaite, which he converted himself.
The lead lasted only six minutes as Seaton hit back with a try from Liam Smallwood which was converted by Dom Smallwood.
Back came Hensingham and after 24 minutes they regained the lead with an unconverted try from Callum Morgan.
By half-time, however, Seaton had edged in front for the first time when Nick Burgess crossed for a try which he converted himself.
The ebb and flow of the game continued in the second-half as Hensingham went in front again early in the second-half with a try from substitute Josh Hillier, and he added the extras.
The topsy turvy nature of the game continued as Brandon Walker scored an unconverted try for Seaton in the 64th minute to bring the hosts level.
Back came Hensingham two minutes later with Jake Rothery scoring an unconverted try to lead 20-16 and within sight of the finishing line.
But the result was settled nine minutes from time when hooker Liam Williamson got over to level up and a Burgess conversion won the game.
Hensingham coach Parker will be stressing the need for discipline ahead of the League season as his side had two men sin-binned during the first half – Kurt Maudling for dissent and Noel Branthwaite for a high tackle,
Seaton’s second row forward Brett Symes was named man of the match with stand-off Branthwaite picking up the award for Hensingham.
