Blackheath 17 v 34 Waterloo

Rugby Union National League Two

DESPITE the brave efforts of the Blackheath players, Waterloo used every trick in the book to consolidate their claim on the second promotion spot in the league, writes Jack Kay.

Blackheath, known as Club, got the worst possible start going behind inside the first minute.

A speculative kick toward touch by the visitors was kept in play by Shane Roiser but his attempted scoop back to Paul Sampson was picked up by Waterloo's left-winger Craig Aikman who went over for an unconverted try.

Three minutes later Club got on the scoresheet with a superb penalty effort from distance by AJ Delport.

Waterloo could have increased their lead seconds later but opted for a tap penalty instead of taking the easy kick and the danger was cleared.

After the early hiccup Club were slowly getting into gear and good defensive play contained three consecutive Waterloo line-outs.

However, a penalty awarded in front of Club's posts was converted by Stephen Nutt to put the visitors five points ahead.

The hosts drew level on 15 minutes following good combination play between centre Will Wigram and Jacques Claassens opened a gap for winger Roman Pietrowski to score his first try for Club.

Waterloo then took the match by the scruff of the neck with two Nutt penalties and two unconverted tries scored by Neil Kerfoot.

Delport pulled three points back but the half-time score was looking ominous for Club at 11-24.

In the second half Waterloo showed why they are almost certain for promotion when, despite two Delport penalties, another Nutt kick and a Freedman Payne try secured the win and the bonus point.

Club's day was compounded with the dismissal of John Nugent with minutes to go following a handling in the ruck offence.

Lock Neil Dewale said: "We started well after the freak try and had a good half.

"The second half didn't go the same way as we lost our pattern. We played well physically, but mentally we lost it."

Club's next fixture is away to Wharfdale on March 18.