Blackheath 45, Blaydon 17

It was always going to be an impossible task against a side playing in what was probably their last league game ever at The Rectory Field, the long standing home of Blackheath,before moving to pastures new next season.

In the event Blaydon did well to hold out for two thirds of the game, particularly after arriving at Kings Cross to find their onward transport had failed to turn up and emergency arrangements were required.
Playing in front of an emotional and larger than average crowd Blackheath set off in breath-taking style, their skipper Markus Burcham scoring the opener on 13 minutes after finding a convenient gap. Flanker Dave Allen, playing his final game in a 12 year career with the club, added a second soon after from a catch and drive.
Just as proficient at a rolling maul however was Blaydon’s Jason Smithson who secured his 26th and 27th tries for the season in the next 5 minutes, Andrew Baggett adding one conversion.
It was 12-12 at the break but Blackheath began the second period just as they had the first with two more tries in quick succession, Allen grabbing his second of the match and then electric winger Dan Hamilton scooting in.
Once again Blaydon responded in style with scrum-half Ruaridh Dawson making a neat break to put Tom Grimes clear, and at 24-17 they were still in with a shout.
Former Crow-Trees favourite Shaun English,who had played for Blaydon against Blackheath on the opening day of the season now came on as a Blackheath replacement, and the hosts took control in the final quarter.
Hamilton, Burcham and Jake Lloyd added further scores, and Freddie Gabbitass his 5th conversion to make it a resounding departure from the ‘Rec’.

John Brennan