Blackheath 12 Richmond 21.

It’s always a pity when refereeing controversy impacts on the outcome of a game, and there were far too many incidents in this match to ignore.

Nevertheless, on the balance of play, it would be difficult to deny Richmond a victory, which avenged their defeat against the same opposition at the Athletic Ground in December.

In gusty, greasy conditions, the visitors’ pack controlled the ball well throughout, denying Blackheath possession for long periods, and after Tom Platt had given his side the lead with an early penalty, fly-half Louis Grimolby’s delightful pass sent right-wing James Greenwood racing away for the opening try.

A second penalty was followed by a 20-metre drive by the Richmond pack for skipper and second-row Will Warden to cross, but having wrongly been denied a try when Liam Gibson touched the corner flag before grounding earlier on, Rory Teague’s long floated pass for Mike Canty on the stroke of half-time kept Blackheath in touch 5-16 at the break.

The hosts needed to soak up vast amounts of pressure in the third quarter to stay in the contest, but their response was impressive with Lee Covington being driven across from a line-out for a converted score on the hour.

But the decision to penalise Gibson for pulling back when chasing a loose ball turned attack into defence, and with two Blackheath players in the sin-bin, Harrison Edwards’ late try from a five-metre scrum settled the match.

Next week Blackheath make their final away journey of the season as they travel to the Lancashire coast to face Fylde.  Kick-off at the Woodlands Memorial Ground in Lytham St Annes on Saturday 6th April is 3.00 pm.

Blackheath.

Tries: Canty, Covington.
Cons: Teague.

Richmond.

Try: Greenwood, Warden, Edwards.
Pens: Platt 2.