Blackheath Rugby Union put on a stellar performance to secure a bonus point victory against Rosslyn Park in a thrilling National League One match. The match saw Blackheath maintain the upper hand on the scoreboard, despite facing a tough challenge from the visitors. The game was a true test of skill and determination for both teams, with Blackheath ultimately emerging victorious with a final score of 32-24.
Early Dominance and Strong Start
The match kicked off with Blackheath taking an early lead, thanks to a second-minute penalty by Tom Ffitch. The hosts continued to assert their dominance, with Tevita Cavubati and Jake Hennessey creating opportunities in midfield that led to Oli Burgess scoring a converted try. The team extended their lead further as Cavubati powered across the try line from a close-range scrum, putting Blackheath ahead 15-0.
Rosslyn Park, however, remained resilient and fought back, opting for territory over goal opportunities. Despite Blackheath’s solid lineout performance and crucial steals by players like Tom Everard, Rosslyn Park managed to narrow the gap before halftime. Matt Gordan’s try for Rosslyn Park reduced the deficit to 15-7 at the break, setting the stage for an intense second half.
Back and Forth Battle
The second half saw a back and forth battle between the two teams, with Steffan James narrowing the gap for Rosslyn Park with a long-range strike. However, Blackheath’s pack delivered a strong drive off a lineout, allowing Billy Harding to touch down and give the team a 12-point cushion. Despite Noah Sloot’s outstanding performance for Blackheath with crucial turnovers, Rosslyn Park continued to apply pressure.
Rosslyn Park seized the momentum as they scored two quick tries through Charlie Walker and Charlie Mulchrone, nudging them into the lead. With the game hanging in the balance, Blackheath needed a game-changer to turn the tide in their favor.
Turning Point and Victory
The turning point came with Jack Daly’s entry into the game for his 100th appearance in Club colors. Daly’s impact was immediate, as he kept Blackheath on the front foot with his playmaking abilities. His pass inside to Oskar Hirskyj-Douglas allowed the latter to score a crucial try, putting Blackheath back in the lead with just 12 minutes remaining.
Despite moments of tension, including a player being sin-binned for a dangerous tackle, Blackheath remained composed. Tom Ffitch’s long-range penalty in the closing seconds sealed the victory for Blackheath, capping off a hard-fought and well-deserved win.
In the aftermath of their triumph, Blackheath looks ahead to their upcoming match against Birmingham Moseley, aiming to carry their winning momentum forward. Meanwhile, Wimbledon continues their impressive form in Regional 1 South Central, sitting fourth with a perfect record after a dominant 68-7 win over Old Alleynians. The Dons will face Tunbridge Wells in their next fixture as they seek to maintain their unbeaten streak.
