Match Report: Sedgley Park Tigers 28 – 61 Blackheath
On Saturday we welcomed London side Blackheath to Park Lane, looking to build on recent positive performances and secure valuable points in our battle near the foot of the National One table. Blackheath arrived in strong form, sitting third and firmly in the promotion race, and having beaten us convincingly earlier in the season.
Conditions were ideal for open rugby, with a dry pitch and warm sunshine, while the occasion was marked by a well-supported charity day for breast cancer awareness alongside Ladies Day.
Blackheath started strongly and took an early lead through hooker Will Harding, who crossed from a well-executed catch and drive. The Tigers responded well, building phases patiently before Rhys Henderson finished in the corner. Oli Glasse added the conversion to edge us 7–5 ahead.
We thought we had extended the lead shortly after when Tom Hesketh broke clear to score under the posts, only for play to be brought back for a knock-on. A yellow card soon followed for the Tigers, and Blackheath capitalised, flanker Noah Sloot crossing to restore their lead at 12–7.
The Tigers continued to show resilience. A controversial moment saw Henderson denied in the corner following illegal contact, resulting in only a yellow card for the visitors. We responded shortly after, with Glasse finishing a well-worked move and converting his own try to give us a 14–12 lead at the break.
Blackheath regained the initiative early in the second half, scoring through Joshua Smart after sustained forward pressure. Another yellow card for the Tigers made the task more difficult, and the visitors extended their lead through a long-range counter-attack finished by Sam Morley.
Despite this, we fought back once again. Replacement flanker Alex Benbattouche crossed from close range, with Glasse converting to narrow the gap to 26–21 and set up a tense final period.
However, a third yellow card proved decisive. During this spell, Blackheath ran in four converted tries in quick succession, moving the ball efficiently and capitalising on errors to take the game beyond reach.
Danny Rylance added a late try for the Tigers from a quick tap to secure a losing bonus point, but the visitors ultimately ran out 61–28 winners.
For sixty minutes, the Tigers matched one of the league’s top sides and showed real character, but lapses in concentration and discipline proved costly. Blackheath deserved credit for their clinical finishing and ability to punish mistakes.
With three games remaining, we remain in a tight battle near the bottom of the table. A two-week break over Easter will provide an opportunity to regroup before we travel to Plymouth on 11th April for another significant challenge.
Cheers,
Steve Hazz