Manchester 9 v 8 Blackheath

Rugby Union National League Two

Report by Jack Kay

BLACKHEATH got a bonus point from this away fixture but even the most loyal of fans would admit Manchester should have had more points on the board.

However, a mixture of poor finishing and a magnificent Club defence continually kept the hosts frustrated and incredibly the visitors could have pinched the game in the dying moments.

Club remain fifth in the table, 14 points off second place and a mammoth 27 points off leaders Esher.

In a funereal atmosphere with three sides of the ground empty, Manchester immediately applied the pressure.

But three penalties with three attacking line-outs in the opening five minutes were defended solidly.

Club took the lead in the 12th minute following a good move when Jono Wheaton found Roman Pietrowski.

The tackle on Pietrowski led to a deliberate knock-on and Matt Vaughan slotted home the penalty.

Manchester came storming back with a series of attacks but big tackles by skipper Dave Allen and Rory Binder slowed the momentum.

However, five minutes later the hosts drew level with a Scott Rawlings penalty.

Club were dealt a bad luck hand when Ken Aseme released super-fast Joe Simpson down the wing.

The winger was too fast for his own good and was left with no option but to try and chip the remaining defender but it did not come off.

As if to make matters worse, Club shot themselves in the foot by failing to clear a ball from their own 5m line giving a penalty away in the process and leaving Rawlings with a simple kick.

Manchester started where they left off in the second half and were again being continuously held-up.

Then Club took the lead on 57 minutes with a superb try - Alex Natera threw the ball to the back of the line-out where prop Des Brett caught it and spun to off-load to James Kellard.

He in turn found winger Dwain Brown who out-ran everyone to score in the corner for an unconverted try.

Club were now looking the more likely to take the points but with six minutes to go, the hosts were awarded another penalty, this time under the posts, and Rawlings completed a hat-trick of successes.

The last attack of the game saw Club mount a big charge to clinch the game but just 5m out they were penalised for not releasing the ball.

There is no league action this weekend, instead the focus falls on the Kent Cup where Club face Maidstone at the Rectory Field, February 11, kick off 2pm.