Seaton denied Ellenborough a hat-trick of trophies, beating the Maryport side 16-12 in the Cumberland Cup final.

It was another outstanding game in front of more than 700 spectators as the Iggesund Cumberland ARL produced another contest of top-class amateur rugby league.

Maryport’s Athletic Ground staged the final game of the 2018 season.

Ellenborough had already bagged the Iggesund Trophy and the EB Lamb Amateur Cup while beating Seaton twice in the league back in March and June, so were considered favourites on the day.

But Seaton hadn’t read the script and, from the start, it was clear there wasn’t going to be much in it.

Ellenborough winger Zac Olstrum was closest to an early score after a long run but, after making excellent yards he was brought down, just short of the line.

The first score did go to Seaton, however, on 14 minutes when a long-range kick across the field saw centre Lewis Mason juggle the ball before touching down out wide.

On 38 minutes, Seaton were awarded a penalty and Joe Roper popped it over to increase his side’s lead to 6-0.

But right on the stroke of half-time, following some neat build-up play, Ellenborough’s prop Jason Graham managed to ground the ball over the line for an unconverted try.

Ten minutes into the second half, Ellenborough equalised when Owen Hoyles opted for a shot at goal after Seaton had been penalised for dissent.

Parity didn’t remain for long as, a minute later, Mason crossed for his second try which edged Seaton into a 10-6 lead.

Back came Ellenborough and they went in front for the first time in the game.

Following a good move, it was Andy Ostle who crossed for a try beside the posts and Hoyles’ conversion put them ahead.

Both teams were clearly feeling the pressure as what followed was something of a knock-onathon, with chances going begging on both sides and errors creeping into the game.

On 71 minutes, during their fourth straight set on the Ellenborough line, Mark Surtees got over for Seaton’s third try, which proved to be the winner. Roper converted.

With only nine minutes remaining, frustrations became more apparent and a flurry of “handbags” resulted in Ellenborough’s Shane Ackerley being sent to the bin and Seaton veteran James Robinson being red-carded.

In the closing stages, Ellenborough continued to force the pace, mounting attack after attack, but Seaton’s defence held firm for the win.