Blackheath to kick of new National League 1 season against Richmond as long-standing fixture kept alive

BY GRAHAM COX

National League 1, domestic rugby’s third tier, gets under way on Saturday and Blackheath start with one of the biggest matches of the new campaign as they welcome Richmond to The Utilita, the ground the club acquired full ownership of over the summer.

The history of this fixture is well-documented, regular meetings having recently surpassed 160 years, making it the oldest continuously played contest in rugby union.

Both clubs were influential in the establishment of the Rugby Football Union in 1871, hosting early All Black and Springbok touring sides, and have endured their fair share of trials and tribulations since the game went professional in 1995.

In Richmond’s case it meant being dumped to the bottom of the league structure in 1999. The Surrey side, to their immense credit, have risen through the ranks and recently spent seven years in the Championship.

Throughout though, whether in league competition or friendlies, the fixture has been kept alive. This weekend they meet at the outset of a campaign where both will be expecting to challenge hard, and fundamental for Blackheath is a man who has featured for both clubs.

Tom Ffitch started life in Hertfordshire 27 years ago and, encouraged by his rugby playing father, joined Amersham & Chiltern RFC as a junior.
Continuing through school in Berkhamsted and Saracens academy, Ffitch spent four years at Loughborough University, making 23 National League appearances, as well as playing in the BUCS (British University & College Sports) league.

A year spent touring the world with the England Sevens set up followed, before Covid struck. But as restrictions were lifted Ffitch, armed with a degree in international business, took on a finance post in the city and joined Richmond.

“I played in the Powergen Cup and a couple of league games, but with Richmond in the Championship at the time, there was a lot of competition for places and it was tough to hold down a regular spot,” he said. “So, I looked for a club who needed a fly-half and found Blackheath.”

Ffitch made his Blackheath debut against Rochford Hundred in September 2022, scoring a try and slotting seven conversions in a 64-5 win.

Wearing the number-10 jersey on 15 occasions that season, he played a key role in Blackheath regaining the place in National League One they had surrendered the previous season, and after two terms at The Utilita has made 31 appearances.

His 302 points tally includes five tries, but it’s his reliability with the boot, game-management and distribution skills that make him the first-choice for the Club’s pivotal role.

“We are eager to get the campaign under way after some promising pre-season games,’ said Ffitch.

“To start the season against Richmond is exciting given the history of both clubs. The results were very close last term (with both claiming a home victory) and I’ve no doubt it’ll be on a knife-edge again.”

The game is a 3pm kick off and entry is £15 in advance and £20 on the gate.

PICTURES: ANDY WANSBURY