Blackheath 26-21 Mowden Park

What seemed unlikely after an error strewn and disjointed first half performance resulting in a 21 - 0 deficit, DMPRFC roared back to level proceedings, only to cruelly succumb to a controversial late winner from the home side, who prevailed 26 - 21.

In marked contrast to the first game between the two clubs, where Blackheath were full value for their 5 - 31, this time matters were a lot tighter, but as alluded to, this initially was not the case.

On a fine , dry day, perfect for rugby, DMPRFC's first visit to the Well Hall HQ of Blackheath RFC was fast becoming a nightmare, as despite plenty of possession and endeavour, the visitors just could not get across the try line, whilst the home side literally had 3 opportunities and converted them all.

Additionally, two yellow cards, each 2 minutes into each half, added to DMPRFC's problems.

A penalty try was awarded in the first two minutes (5 - 0), as DMPRFC were correctly adjudged to have collapsed the march to the line by the home forwards, after a catch and drive lineout had transformed into a maul. Unfortunately, as well as the penalty try awarded being under the posts, DMPRFC fly half Garry LAW was player identified as responsible for the transgression, when to onlookers he appeared to join the piece from the side and over the line. As LAW was making his way to the 'naughty step', home centre Leo Fielding was busy converting from under the posts (7 - 0).

So 'behind the eight ball' from early doors, DMPRFC did have a go at the home side, with some powerful runs from their forwards. However, handling errors, wrong options and to be fair some excellent home tackling, conspired to shut out the visitors.

As the game progressed towards the second quarter, a decent line-break from fly half Mark Cooke, put the busy Fielding a discernable gap in the visitors defence for Blackheath's second (12 - 0) and with the conversion relatively easy, Fielding added the extras (14 - 0).

DMPRFC were not just making up the numbers and fully played their part in the 40 minutes, but when home full back Jamie Davies penetrated from deep to feed winger Alex Pickersgill to dot down near the posts (19 - 0), the extras from Fielding (21 - 0), meant that DMPRFC were looking down a very long barrel as they made their way to the changing rooms as oranges were announced.

Many teams would possibly capitulate or resort to 'damage limitation' after the break, but with echoes of the tremendous fight back away at Birmingham Moseley RFC to overhaul a 19-point deficit, DMPRFC are never out to be counted out of any game, at any stage these days.

'Sleeves rolled up', DMPRFC went about their task, but just before they got up to speed, abrasive centre James FITZPATRICK forgot the arms in a bone-crunching tackle and trudged off to 'the cooler' for a break.

Despite the loss, DMPRFC took the game to their hosts, who initially did another good defensive effort, but the waves of big ball carries from prop Jack PAYNE, lock Talite VAIOLETI and flanker Simon UZOKWE began to take their toll, with cracks appearing.
The nimble footed LAW crossed for the first fight back try, jinking his way over the Blackheath try line (21 - 5) then re-gathering his composure to add the conversion (21 - 7).

In less than five minutes, DMPRFC had doubled their efforts, when the strength of Simon UZOKWE persevered with a barnstorming individual effort, despite the attentions of several home defenders, crashing over (21 - 12), LAW converting (21 - 14).

Blackheath visibly tired during this period, but did attempt some response, but were dragged back into defending for long periods.

DMPRFC flying wing Adam RADWAN was having a particularly quiet game up until this period, but he was always going to be a factor and none more so when he cut his way through the home defence from his customary touch hugging line and in field towards the posts for the score (21 - 19). LAW converted (21 - 21) to bring the scores level, with the hosts looking jaded and resigned.

From the kick-off however, the euphoria was short lived.

Blackheath re-started and one of their players managed to get a hand to the ball, attempting to knock the ball backwards. Even though the ball was adjudged backwards from the official, questions remained, but as the ball bounced well forward, it was re-gathered by another home player, who was in front of the original player who had knocked the ball down.

Either way. right or wrong, play was allowed to continue and Blackheath played on, threw a couple of dummy runners into the visitors defence on questionanable obstructive lines, scoring a decent try by flanker Frankie Owen (26 - 21) to the relief of the home supporters gathered.

Some time remained, but although DMPRFC tried another couple of attacks, the momentum had been stifled and Blackheath clung on.