Rugby union: Blackheath have final warm-up tonight before National League One season opener on September 4

BY GRAHAM COX

Blackheath have their final warm-up match tonight – hosting Chinnor at Well Hall – before their National League One season starts on September 4.

The Club won 38-14 at Esher last weekend despite being guilty of a raft of early penalties, setting them on the back foot and leading to the first score on the half hour, as a lineout infringement saw Luke Peters slip through a gap in midfield, for a 7-0 advantage.

Blackheath’s first serious assault in opposition territory, created space for Nathan Morris to cross out wide and narrow the deficit, but greater awareness from Esher after the interval, in changed strip, and fielding nearly all changed personnel, gave Niall McGann the opportunity to burst clear and romp under the uprights and extend the National League Two side’s lead to nine points.

As Blackheath gradually cranked up their set-piece they also turned up the pressure.

Morris scored his second score from the base of a drive off lineout ball, and persistent off-side after a further throw, resulted in a penalty try, giving the visitors the lead on 55 minutes.

Neat hands, and a juggle in the backline, allowed Dan Hiscocks across before, in the final minutes, Ollie Evans and Daley Aremu added two further efforts.

Blackheath face Cinderford at home in their National League One opener.