Match Report: Blackheath FC 34 - 3 PARFC (Nat 1)
By A Nomad
November 22 2015
A large defeat which revealed to the Albion youngsters the standard they will need to achieve by the end of the season, if not the beginning of next. Albion were not outclassed, but the home team (Club) were well organised and their defence was impregnable. At crucial times Albion knocked on or spilt the ball - and the old bogey of penalties still persists. It was bitterly cold with a very strong northerly wind blowing at right angles across the pitch. Albion won the toss and opted to play with the wind coming from their left.
Straight away Albion were under pressure as they knocked on attempting to field the kick-off. Thus the scene was set for Blackheath to dominate the game by field position and possession. Only on a few occasions were we able to threaten their line - but still Blackheath had to work for their scores. Albion’s forwards had a tough day at the office battling to contain the powerful home pack. It wasn't all one way in the set pieces; the hosts had to graft for the spoils. However, the constant pressure from Club forwards did result in an early successful penalty kick in front of the posts; Blackheath 3 - 0 PARFC.
This was followed by two home tries in quick succession - both created by forward pressure. The first came as their pack drove towards the line and then moved the ball out to the backs to allow their inside centre to score almost under the posts. An easy conversion followed; Blackheath 10 - 0 PARFC. A few minutes later, a catch and drive from a lineout added a second to the tally. This was wide out on Albion’s right and the conversion was missed; Blackheath 15 - 0 PARFC. Albion did have the occasional foray into Blackheath’s half and from one of these Billy Searle kicked a penalty from some distance. Given the strong cross wind, this was a really good effort; Blackheath 15 - 3 PARFC. And that score stood until half-time.
In the second half Albion enjoyed more field position, but they never were able to create any clear breaks. There were a number of short distance carries, but none that really tested the defence. With only 12 points difference, Albion were not being outclassed - it was still an even contest. But then two very quick scores settled the result. Albion had been penalised and the attempted penalty kick saw the left hand upright struck with such force that it rebounded back out of the 22 and into the hands of the kicker. He was able to move the ball and Blackheath found a gap in our defence to score near the posts. What would have been a three point score turned into one of seven; Blackheath 22 - 3 PARFC.
Worse was to come; within minutes Albion knocked on near the half way line, but another player went for the ball in an offside position. A long kick down into corner gave Blackheath the field position from which to score their fourth try (which could not be converted); Blackheath 27 - 3 PARFC. In spite of this, Albion were still making a fight of it and continued to test Blackheath in defence until another catch and drive gave the home side their fifth try - which was converted; Blackheath 34 - 3 PARFC. For the remainder of the game, Albion had the lion’s share of possession, but frequent attacks were unable to breech the well organised defence.
A disappointing result; but perhaps not unexpected considering Blackheath’s form since their curious defeat on the first day of the season at Blaydon. Our usual stand out forwards were Nile Dacres, Herbie Stupple and Ed Holmes. The average age of the team was lowered again with youngsters Harrison Culley and Jim Massey included in the starting XV due to injuries and illness - and second half replacement Sam Matavesi has certainly lost none of his battling spirit whilst away from the club.
There will be much food for thought and discussion before the visit of Ampthill to the Brickfields next Saturday.
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Two impressive comments were made after the game. Whilst the Albi travellers were waiting to applaud Albion after their customary huddle before leaving the pitch for the changing room a local Blackheath member said, “Your team clearly have a lot of respect for their supporters.”
The second was even more complimentary. Just as the last of the Albi travellers were leaving the club house there was a presentation about to be made. The speaker asked if any of us were still present and then asked for a round of applause for the Albion supporters for the way they had given such vocal support for their team. The locals responded with loud applause, thank you ‘Club’ for complimenting us so publicly.