Blackheath 20 – Blaydon 20

[match id=99]

Blaydon remain undefeated in a run of 9 games but were somewhat below par on their trip to Blackheath and were denied a win in the final play when the home side crashed over for a converted try to draw level

They had all the early play however, spurning 3 kickable penalties.in pursuit of a try which finally came on 19 minutes when Zach Kibirige put Sean Brown clear to race in from 25 metres.

Blackheath then made a first incursion into the Blaydon 22 and from some good handling levelled the scores with a try from right wing Chris O’Neill and went on to grab the lead when scrum-half Sam Eydman burst clear to touch down near the posts.

Tremendous tackling by the home side kept Blaydon out until the 4th minute of the second period when the pressure finally told and centre Tommy Banks broke through, Andrew Baggett converting to make it 10-12. Almost immediately from the restart Blaydon were again encamped in the home 22 and deservedly went further ahead through No8 Jason Smithson from close range.

Blackheath full-back Mike Canty responded with a penalty but an offside gave Baggett a similar opportunity and going into the last 5 minutes Blaydon were hanging on to a 7 points lead.

When Baggett was yellow-carded the 14 men were under severe pressure and in the 3rd minute of time added on Jeff Griffiths crashed over in the corner and Canty with a last kick of the game touchline conversion gained Blackheath a share of the spoils they probably deserved.

John Brennan