Blackheath 42 Esher 14 – Encouraging signs in final friendly action

BY GRAHAM COX

An encouraging final dress-rehearsal for Blackheath, who quickly recovered from an early setback to outscore their opponents six tries to two.

Esher had the better start, as a beauty of a 50:22 set up a series of drives from which Hugh Sloan crossed for a converted score on five minutes.

However, showing the greater pace and commitment, Blackheath were soon on the attack with Oli Burgess making ground under the uprights, and Stephen Leonard driving over to level.

Harry Holland punched holes, while Andrew Boye ripped possession, before Oli Claxton and Jake Hennessey combined neatly to send Paul Schroter over for the lead, and as the second-row stole lineout ball, Leonard powered across for his second.

Esher responded just prior to the interval as Sam Bullock offloaded for Ben Robins to score, reducing the arrears to 21-14. But the Surrey side, who effectively succeeded to the position in National League One Blackheath relinquished last term, never gained any foothold in the second period.

Archie Holland burst out of ruck to add try number four for the hosts, and when Jake Lloyd kicked towards the goal-line, the Club wing was impeded and a penalty try awarded.

Esher probed late in the game, but Blackheath’s tackling remained as tenacious as the insects swarming around Well Hall on this late summer evening, and as ball fell loose, Alex Harris showed great feet for the final try to round off a fine win.

PICTURE: ANDY WANSBURY