Rugby Union: Leeds Tykes have games in hand as Blackheath’s relegation fears intensify

Blackheath’s 18-year stay in National 1 is under serious threat with drop rivals Leeds Tykes boasting two matches in hand, writes Graham Cox.

Club lost 29-23 at Sale FC last weekend despite controlling much of a tightly-fought game.

A devastating 22-minute spell that saw Sale FC score as many unanswered points determined the outcome in favour of the hosts.

The turning point came early in the second period.

As Blackheath pressed, looking to build on a 20-7 advantage, the ball was lost forward on the Sale goal-line. The hosts countered to halfway, before fine hands switched play across field to the left flank, and open-side Jordan Tebbatt stretched out to ground in the left corner.

Two swift penalties, and a yellow card, on the hour gave Sale field position to drive skipper and blind-side Andy Hughes across.

Moments later ruck ball launched Connor Doherty on a fine break, the inside-centre having no need of the support out wide for an excellent try, and the hosts were in front.

Wing Nev Edwards executed with precision a perfect chip and chase with seven minutes remaining. Fly-half James Robins added the conversion.

It was harsh on the visitors, who had almost total control of the opening period with Ollie Claxton and Markus Burcham combining at half-back while Dom McGeekie, George Spencer and Andy Denham were all impressive. Their efforts were continually thwarted by Sale infringements.

Jake Hennessey struck two penalties, the second on 32 minutes as the hosts finally lost a man for their persistence – both sides had already exchanged yellow cards for illegal tackles – but moments later Sale were ahead with their only attack of the period.

Lineout ball was overthrown and lost, but having struck the referee, scrum put-in was awarded to the hosts, from which, after one reset, number-eight Stone Priestley-Nagle drove across for a converted try.

Blackheath struck back quickly. Winning their own scrum close to the Sale goal-line, Harry Dugmore showed great strength to muscle across on half-time.

Ollie Walliker was driven over after a break down the left wing had been illegally halted within two minutes of the restart.

Hennessey added the conversions to both scores for the 13-point lead, but Sale were to unleash the form that had seen them win 10 on the bounce prior to this contest.

Blackheath’s only salvation came from Hennessey holding his nerve to strike the penalty for yet another losing bonus point.

They have no match this weekend and then travel to Cinderford on April 30 for their final game of the season.

They are 13th in the 15-club table but Leeds Tykes, only three points behind, play one of their fixtures today – at Darlington Mowden Park – with their other extra match at home to Cinderford on May 7.

PICTURES: GARETH LYONS