Founded in 1858, most rugby enthusiasts will already know that Blackheath RFC are the oldest open rugby club in the world, which is the very highest accolade in the game of rugby’s history and something of which they are immensely proud.

It is notable that in their early years, Blackheath RFC were pioneers of the ‘Laws of the Game’ and one of the widespread variations they introduced in 1862 included the famous Rule 10, which stated ‘Though it is lawful to hold any player in a scrummage, this does not include attempts to throttle or strangle, which are totally opposed to the principles of the game".

Since their promotion from National League 2 (South) back in the 2003/04 season, Blackheath RFC are firmly established at Level 3 rugby and finished a commendable 8th place last season.

They are currently they are lying in a comfortable 6th place in the league table, with 34 points (including 8 try bonus points and 2 losing bonus points).

Their top points scorer with the boot is fly half Alex Gallaher with 79 points (4 tries, 22 conversions, 5 penalties) and their top try scorer is full back Michael Canty with 8 tries.

Last weekend, Blackheath RFC narrowly defeated Hartpury College RFC at home (29 – 24).

From a DMPRFC perspective, another disappointing result at Coventry RFC last weekend, as the 1ST XV returned pointless from a game, where we did ourselves no favours after the first half (down 29 – 3), giving ourselves a mountain to climb in the second half.

To reduce the score after the break was a commendable attempt, scoring two converted unanswered tries in the process to finish the game strongly (29 – 17) and gave all connections some positivity.

Tries from winger Henry ROBINSON and prop Ralph APPLEBY, both converted by fly half Tom HODGSON, adding to his first half penalty, was not enough to complete the fight back, although certainly gave Coventry RFC a very nervous last quarter.

(MATCH DAY SQUAD BELOW

15. Henry ROBINSON
14. Jamie BARNARD
13. Cameron MITCHELL (C)
12. Garry LAW
11. Joe NELLANY
10. Tom HODGSON
9. Zylon McGAFFIN

1. Gareth NESBIT
2. Matt THOMPSON
3. Matty SHIELDS
4. Rob CONQUEST
5. George HEDGLEY
6. Joe MAUD
7. Callum MACKENZIE
8. Guy van den DRIES

16. Ralph APPLEBY
17. Charlie MADDISON
18. Jack ALLCOCK
19. Craig DOMINICK
20. Chris McTURK

Match Details

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