Blackheath 20 Wharfedale 23

A fair result on the balance of play, though Blackheath will be disappointed that, having fought their way back to parity, they couldn’t maintain the intensity that had overturned a 10-point deficit and claim more than a losing bonus.

Plaudits must go, however, to Tom Barrett who claimed 18 of his side’s points, including the winning 72nd minute drop-goal.

The Greens’ fly-half scored twice in the first period, both times from a solid set-piece scrum, the first with a dummy to break the opposition three-quarter line, and then with a perfectly weighted chip over the defence.

In between, Jesse Liston responded for Blackheath, the blind-side breaking through off the base of a ruck, and hooker Gavin O’Meara crossed in the corner before the break, but the better kicking of Barrett, with a successful conversion and penalty, ensured the Dalesmen ended the half on top at 15-10.

Hooker Dan Stockdale was driven across to push Wharfedale further ahead after the re-start, but it was then that the hosts increased the tempo, despite being reduced to 14-men for a second time.

A quickly taken free-kick resulted in number-eight James Catt being worked under the uprights for a converted try, and fly-half Simon Whatling’s 70th minute penalty brought Blackheath level, but Barrett kept his cool to drop the goal which gave Wharfedale their first victory at Rectory Field for nine years.

Next Saturday Blackheath are at home once again as they take on Worthing Raiders.  Kick-off at Rectory Field is 3.00 pm

Blackheath

Tries:   Liston, O’Meara, Catt
Conv: Whatling
Pens: Whatling

Wharfedale

Tries:   Barrett 2, Stockdale
Conv: Barrett
Pens: Barrett
DG: Barrett