Based on the conditions, Blyth scrapping for every point in a dismal season for them and Rovers’ record at Plessey Road means that the four points for the win would have been gladly taken at kick-off.

Daz Fawcett put Rovers 3-0 up after 4 minutes with a well-struck penalty but the lead switched to Blyth 5-3 with a controversial score.

Rovers had held out from a 5 metre scrum but from their put-in the ball went loose and although Dean Langdown pounced on it he had clearly knocked on. The referee was on the other side of the scrum and awarded the try.

After a scrappy period of play, James Bostock hit the right hand post with a 24 metre penalty on 26 minutes.

The Friaragemen went 8-5 ahead after 38 minutes when Michael Foster crossed from close range but, once again, Rovers shipped a score straightaway when Owen Jarvis kicked an 18 metre penalty.

Rovers went further ahead 15-8 on 65 minutes when, with Blyth reduced to thirteen men, Jack Gunn touched down and Fawcett added the extra points.

Fawcett had the chance to increase the lead after 70 minutes but he saw his 23 metre penalty hit the right hand upright.

Rovers head to Bullocksteads to face Gosforth on Saturday. Another win is a must with Morpeth entertaining Blyth and Guisborough having a tricky game at Medicals.

Blyth: Jarvis (c), Grey, Sutherland, Bradwell, Allen, Bostock, Smithson, Barber, Stephenson, Fraser (sin bin 62), Awcock, Turnbull, Langdown, Long (sin bin 63), Davie. Subs used: Mickle, Browne, Rose

Rovers: M Barnfield, Fleet, Gunn, Evens, Smith, Fawcett, S Barnfield, A Flounders (c), Maguire (sin bin 77, Little, Baxter, Wilson, Church (sin bin 54), Maddison, Foster. Subs used: Wood, I Flounders, White

Referee: Paul Richardson (Northumberland Society)