Canterbury 12 Blackheath 41 – Club wrap up pre-season campaign ahead of National League 1 start

There were seven tries for Blackheath as they completed their pre-season programme and, perhaps equally significant given 15 leaked in the three previous warm-ups, just two conceded, albeit against a Canterbury side shorn of a few of their first-choice backs.

In front of a decent-sized crowd on a pleasant but cool August evening at The Marine Travel Ground, it was Jordan Burns who opened the Club’s account on just 10 minutes, the scrum-half moving blind off lineout ball.

Burns, and later Jack Daly, kept Blackheath’s tempo positive throughout, and as play sped wide, Jake Lloyd controlled ball neatly with his thigh before gathering and cutting through the cover for a 12-0 lead.

Canterbury’s pack – under the command of skipper Jamie Stephens – competed strongly but the Club’s lineout always provided a reliable stage from which to attack, Josh Smart grounding after a powerful drive from the visitors.

Gary Jones, who scored two of Kent’s tries in their County Championship final victory against Yorkshire in June, responded for the hosts, but as Blackheath went through the phases, Tom Stradwick crossed close to the uprights for a 24-5 lead at the break.

Numerous high tackles and consequent penalties hampered Blackheath in the opening period, but the Club eventually took note of the stern warnings and two tries off lineout ball from Billy Harding extended the advantage after the restart.

Errors and stray passes inevitably abounded as both sides looked to experiment, but on 77 minutes space appeared on the left for Matt Armstrong to claim Blackheath’s seventh.

The last word went to Canterbury as Tom Williams, who had shortly before made a weaving break, cut through the midfield for a try on 80 minutes.

Both clubs look forward to the start of the league season on Saturday, with Blackheath starting their National League 1 campaign with the visit of Richmond to The Utilita.

Kick-off is at 3pm.

PICTURES: DEBORAH LLOYD