The Blackheath Men’s Social Section has finished the first half of the season strongly, on and off the pitch. Before we resume play on 10th January, we take account of what we have achieved so far.
We’re growing
Preseason saw a healthy recruitment to the section, and we have continued to have new faces join us through the season to date.
Some of these have joined us through their kids taking part in the minis and juniors.
Many others have come through a strong social media presence, attracting players new to the game, returning after a hiatus, or looking for a new club.
We have been fortunate to have several players return to the club after a time away from us or the game.
We also are seeing the results of a strengthening of the connection between age groups and the section, with a significant group of young men joining from the colts.
And we are always welcoming new players – if you fancy giving the game a go, or are looking for a new home please get in touch.
We’re winning
The Brigands (club 3rd XV) come through the new year break with a perfect 11 wins from 11 fixtures. This takes the team to the top of Counties 5, 12 points clear of Old Elthamians in second place.
Taking 564 points and conceding just 106, the Brigands have been freely scoring in several games. However, the league remains tighter than these numbers suggest – notably close matches were played against Old Elthamians, Lordswood and Old Alleynians. These return fixtures, along with the tough Sidcup and Edenbridge teams will provide a challenge for the Brigands in the run through the second half of the season.
The Bandits (club 4th XV) are facing stiffer competition in the Kent Metro A League, sitting in second place, one point adrift of Old Dunstonians. Along with Westcombe Park and Southwark Lancers , the league is very tight at the top with each team taking two losses a piece.
Operating as a single squad, players move between teams as needed to field a team. This includes a significant group of veteran (35 year plus) players, who played an additional fixture against Gravesend.
We’re fundraising
Having grown as a section to two league teams, the cost to manage and support the section has grown. To cover these costs, we have been fundraising for the first time.
We are immensely grateful to those who have sponsored so far – doing so helps us keep the players looked after with pitchside physio, first aid supplies, and replacement of worn-out kit. It also helps keep access to the game and the club affordable for our players, where they need help.
Please reach out if you are interested in supporting the section for the back end of the season – there are a number of excellent players, such as Charlie Shaw, Pete Ryall and Joe Hodgkiss are still available, along with two game-day sponsorship opportunities.
We’re ambitious
We are not done yet.
With a strong squad and drive, the aim is to win both the Counties 5 and the Kent Metro A leagues.
With the league wins under our belt, we aim to get the Brigands promoted to Counties 4 in the 2026/27 season. Beyond that, we want more growth in the section, further promotions, and a hell of a lot more rugby.
We’re having fun
On the pitch and off, Blackheath is a great club to be a member of. Regular social events have taken place, including Oktoberfest and the Christmas Curry.
Beyond the club the section has been busy with four weddings celebrated, several future members born and supporting each other through loss. The club is so much more than what we see on the pitch.
There is also end-of-year tour planning underway, with San Sebastian hosting the section in May.
What’s next?
League play resumes on 10th January, with the Brigands traveling to the wilds of Sidcup for what promises to be a tricky fixture.
Both teams are at Well Hall on 17th January, with the Brigands hosting a nuggety Edenbridge team, and the Bandits looking to make right the earlier season result against Southwark Lancers. All supporters are welcome, and to the pub quiz social which follows in the evening.
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