Blackheath 40-19 winners over Barnes in latest pre-season friendly

BY GRAHAM COX

A tight first period, but Blackheath took control after the break to eventually ride out comfortable winners.

Billy Harding crossed from lineout ball for an early Blackheath try, quickly cancelled out as wing Paul Webb went over out wide for the visitors, before a kind bounce saw full-back Dylan Munro give the Barnes the lead.

Centre Joe Henry added a third try from a close-range ruck as Barnes had the better of the middle of the first half, but Blackheath finished the period strongly, with Tom Baldwin crashing through tackles to score, and Mike Hoyt dived over from a tap-and-go, for a 21-19 interval advantage.

Both sides inevitably made changes at the break, Blackheath’s proved the more effective as the hosts dominated after the restart, though initially without reward.

However, on 64 minutes Augustin Slowik showed a neat side-step to score. Jake Hennessey hit a lovely line after Jake Lloyd had intercepted for try number five, before Paul Schroter powered over, Oli Burgess adding a fifth conversion.

Earlier on, the Club’s seconds also scored six tries, and the same number of points, in a 40-24 victory against Barnes seconds.

Blackheath continue their pre-season on Friday with a trip to Championship side Bedford Blues with kick-off at Goldington Road at 7.45 pm.

Their seconds are in action next weekend also, with a match at The Utilita against National League Two’s Westcombe Park.  Kick-off is 3pm.

PICTURES: NICK KING