Rugby union: Blackheath 25 Richmond 15 – Club come from behind to win friendly
BY GRAHAM COX
Blackheath were 25-15 winners in their first pre-season friendly on Friday night.
Richmond’s strong scrum put them firmly on top initially, and they had a 10-point lead after 13 minutes.
First wing Toby Eaton slid over in the left corner, then second-row Myles Scott crossed on the opposite side of the field.
Unforced errors hurt Blackheath, but their line-out functioned well and gradually they found enough rhythm to apply consistent pressure in the final 10 minutes of the period.
Richmond’s repetitive infringing went unpunished but Harry Fry was driven over on 38 minutes to leave the score at 10-5 at the interval.
Blackheath carried their momentum into the second period and took the lead on 50 minutes as Tom Stradwick moved to the blind-side to cross, Mark Cooke adding a fine touchline conversion as his final act of the contest.
Tom Burns gathered charged-down ball with Craig Dowsett crashing over out wide for a 17-10 lead.
Club fly-half Freddie Gabbitass added a penalty, before Richmond regathered to drive forward Sam Theron across.
A fine run by flanker Rafael Dutta made the game safe for the hosts.
Blackheath’s pre-season continues on Saturday with the visit of Championship side Coventry. Kick off at Well Hall is at 3pm.
Blackheath
Tries: Fry, Stradwick, Dowsett, Dutta
Conv: Cooke
Pens: Gabbitass
Richmond
Tries: Eaton, Scott, Theron
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