The final was finally played on Tuesday night at Hartlepool RFCs Mayfield Park ground when Seaton Carew proved that persistence pays by accounting for Hartlepool Rovers Second string by 15 points to 12.

The Seatonians came to the Final with four consecutive Durham County Challenge Trophy Final defeats behind them allied to two narrow defeats in the 2000 and 2002 Pyman Cup Finals yet they proved worthy winners in a close fought typical local derby clash.

Seaton got away to a dream start almost from the kick off when winger Mark Robinson raced over in the corner with barely two minutes on the clock. Rovers came back well from this setback and though close on several occasions they could not break a resolute Seaton defence and the Seasiders came back well as the half progressed but still had just the one try to show for their efforts.

Robinson marked the start of the second period with his second try five minutes into the half and this produced a excellent response from Rovers who took the lead with tries from Martin Stacey which was converted by centre Phil Hall who then he added a second to give his side a narrow lead at 12 -10.

It was however to be Seaton's day and from a pushover Kenny Braham scored Seaton's third try to give his side what proved to be a winning lead at 15-10.

This competition now clears the way for the Centenary Celebrations of the Cup when all nine Hartlepool and District sides side's compete on the 4 Wednesdays in April 2004 to decide who will hold the Trophy on its Centenary anniversary.