BLACKHEATH came within a few seconds off pulling off the biggest upset of the National 3 South League season at the Rectory Field on Saturday.

Club were leading Penzance & Newlyn, who had started the match as league leaders, having won all 10 of their previous games.

Jon Griffin gave Blackheath the lead with an early penalty, and for the next 20 minutes the visitord were penned in their own half with Chris Longman halted just inches from the try-line.

New Irish signing Ross O'Connor, making his home debut, then dislocated a shoulder and was replaced by Harvey Biljon.

Griffin kicked another penalty and soon after Mark Colgate went over to extend their lead to 11-0 but Griffin missed the conversion. The visitors came out a dfferent side for the seocnd half and they reduced the deficit, only for Griffin to boot two more penalties to put Club 17-10 ahead.

But with just seconds remaining the table-toppers launched one last attack and Steve Evans went in under the posts to give Saumi an easy conversion to level it at 17-17.

On a very muddy pitch, Old Colfeians lost out at home to local rivals Westcombe Park 28-21.

Tries were scored by James Leverington, Gavin Hurley and Rob Berry. Matt Townsend kicked two penalties.

On Saturday, Colfes host Cinderford in the league, kick off 2.15pm.

Honours were even in Charlton Park's encounter with local rivals Old Dunstonians in a 17-17 draw.

Sam Naden scored a try and kicked three penalties while Chris Middleton kicked a drop goal.

Shooters Hill continued their Kent League Three campaign with an influential 26-0 win away to Faversham. Tries were scored by scrum half Roy Meyer and Pat Beale, while fly-half Knox Levanatabua bagged two conversions and four penalties to wrap up the game for Shoots.

Brockleians had high hopes of picking up their first league points of the season when they travelled to Medway, but lost out 17-10. Tries were scored by Tony Wheeler, which Michael Peart converted and Peart got a penalty.

December 4, 2001 12:46