Blackheath vs Hammersmith & Fulham — 9 Mar 2025
A tough day at home for Blackheath Women, turning up with a squad of just 16 players, it was going to be a long 80 minutes.
The Club starts with possession but loses it due to a loose pass and a knock-on. The defensive line in midfield isn’t strong enough, and Hammers take full advantage, as their fly-half steps inside and dots down under the posts for the first try of the match. 0-7
Blackheath concede territory after a string of offside penalties, but thankfully, skipper Ruby Hughes (9) steps up to bring the squad back in line.
An early blow for Blackheath as, just 15 minutes in, Janet Okolie is forced off with an ACL injury. With only one substitute available, Frankie Newbury-Watling (16) comes on from the bench. She makes an impact with a well-timed tackle in midfield, but soon after, Hammers exploit space out wide, breaking through to score twice more. By the 25-minute mark, the scoreboard reads 0-28.
After half an hour, Blackheath finally build some momentum in the opposition’s half. This time, it’s the Club benefiting from offside penalties, making steady ground. A well-earned line-out on the five-metre line provides the platform. The maul is solid, and from the back of it, Hughes peels away, sells a dummy, and steps over the try line for Club Women’s first points. 5-28
Hammers regain possession briefly with a sharp interception, but a textbook jackal from Sophie Durman (8) wins the ball back for Blackheath. However, luck isn’t on the Club’s side, as Newbury-Watling is forced off after just 15 minutes with a quad injury. With no substitutes remaining, Blackheath are left playing with 14. The extra space in defence proves costly, and Hammers capitalise with another try, their winger finishing with pace. 5-35
As halftime approaches, Blackheath push back into the opposition’s 22, making ground through a penalty for a high tackle. Another maul sets up the attack, but Hammers are caught offside defending the peel. Claudia Di Marco (4) reacts quickly with a tap-and-go, and Durman follows up with a powerful carry to crash over the whitewash. She then steps up and converts her own try.
HT: 12-35
During the break, discussions take place on the sideline, and in a display of good sportsmanship, Hammers agree to drop to 14 players. However, the restart remains a challenge for Blackheath.
They begin the second half in the opposition’s territory, but Hammers kick into space, forcing a scramble for possession. Dels Howard (15) chases back but struggles to secure the ball under pressure from the Hammers winger. A knock-on haltsplay, but the danger isn’t averted, as the restart leaves Blackheath defending deep in their own 22. Hammers’ number 8 and fresh legs off, they cross again. 12-54
Injuries continue to plague the Club Women. With ten minutes left, Lauren Andrews is forced off for an HIA, reducing the Club to 13 players.
Despite running low on resources, Blackheath dig deep. A penalty for offside presents an opportunity, to spice things up, the Women opt for an 11-player line-out. The gamble pays off, as Hammers collapse the maul. Jackie Esono (10) reacts instinctively, tapping quickly and diving over for a well-deserved try. 17-54
Hammers, however, have the final say. Two strong carries through midfield expose a tiring defence, allowing them to run in the last score of the match.
Final score: 17-66
- Forward of the match: Sophie Durman
- Back of the match: Dels Howard
- Shark of the match: Claudia Di Marco
by Claudia Di Marco
Photographs courtesy of Nick King
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