Blackheath 54 Hull Ionians 16

The biggest margin of victory this season so far, courtesy of a commanding second half performance that saw the Club score seven tries, including a hat-trick for inside-centre Leo Fielding, and cheering the hearts of the Rectory Field faithful after the disappointing run of five defeats from six outings that has seen Blackheath fall away from the promotion race.

In fact, not many would have seen this coming after a decidedly ropey first period was followed by a second penalty for Ionians’ outside-half Greg Lound which left hosts with the slenderest of leads at 7-6 four minutes after the interval.  But three tries in seven minutes put Blackheath firmly in the driving seat and there was only ever likely to be one winner.

An awkward bounce caused turmoil in the Hull defence before possession was turned over and, despite a fine tackle coming in from Ionians’ number-eight Ed Falkingham, ball was moved across field for Markus Burcham’s lofted pass out wide to find Fielding for his first score.

Tom Chapman picked up a loose pass to sprint under the uprights from 30-metres following an Ionians line-out on half-way, and then Shaun English took ball into contact after a solid scrum and Fielding fended off tacklers down the right flank for his second.

Ionians responded quickly with lively left-wing Aquile Smith squeezing across in the corner, but Dan Hamilton won the race to pick up loose ball and dash home following a charge-down, Dave Allen dummied through the defensive line with consummate ease to score, and after Fielding, who made a number of strong breaks, cut through cover once again, Chapman raced down the right touchline for his second.

A quick tap penalty led to a second consolation effort for Ionians with replacement wing James Ferguson going over in the right corner but, fittingly, Fielding had the last word with an interception try to complete his hat-trick and bring up the half-century.

It was all in stark contrast to the first period.  Numerous unforced errors from the hosts gifted the visitors plenty of territory and possession, and on the half-hour Lound’s first strike for goal from 35-metres gave the Yorkshiremen the lead.

However, with half-time approaching, Blackheath at last found a decent kick to touch to launch their first assault in the opposition twenty-two, and as English strolled across unchallenged from the line-out for his debut try in Club colours, and Freddie Gabbitass added the first of seven successful conversions for a 7-3 interval lead, the platform was set for a comprehensive win.

The victory moves Blackheath back up to fourth place in National League One.  Next Saturday they travel to Lancashire to take on Fylde, kick-off at Woodlands Memorial Ground is at 3.00 pm

Blackheath

Tries:   English, Fielding 3, Chapman 2, Hamilton, Allen

Conv:  Gabbitass 7

Hull Ionians

Ties:     Smith, Ferguson

Pens:    Lound 2