On a night more reminiscent of late autumn as opposed to high summer, Blackheath came from behind to emerge victors in this, the latest meeting between these two old clubs.
Richmond’s strong scrum put them firmly on top initially, and by the 13th minute the visitors had created a ten point lead as first, wing Toby Eaton slid over in the left corner, then second-row Myles Scott crossed on the opposite side of the field.
Unforced errors hurt Blackheath, but their line-out functioned well and gradually they found enough rhythm to apply consistent pressure in the final ten minutes of the period. In a plan that allowed teams to keep 15-men on the field in the first period (who came up with that one!) Richmond’s repetitive infringing went unpunished, but on 38 minutes Harry Fry was driven over to leave the score at 10-5 in favour of the Surrey side at the interval.
Blackheath carried their momentum into the second period and took the lead on 50 minutes as Tom Stradwick moved to the blind-side to cross, Mark Cooke adding a fine touchline conversion as his final act of the contest.
Tom Burns gathered charged-down ball, and as play moved left, Craig Dowsett crashed over out wide for a 17-10 lead.
Club fly-half Freddie Gabbitass added a penalty, before Richmond re-gathered to drive forward Sam Theron across, but a fine run by Rafael Dutta, the flanker neatly cutting inside, made the game safe for the hosts.
Blackheath’s pre-season programme continues next Saturday with the visit of Championship side Coventry. Kick off at Well Hall is at 3.00 pm.
Blackheath
- Tries: Fry, Stradwick, Dowsett, Dutta
- Conv: Cooke
- Pens: Gabbitass
Richmond
- Tries: Eaton, Scott, Theron
Graham Cox
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