Waterloo 27 v 14 Blackheath
Rugby Union National League Two

BLACKHEATH welcomed back player/coach Harvey Biljon and prop Steve Pope after long-term injuries but the south Londoners still fell to their sixth consecutive league defeat.

Their hosts Waterloo took five points from the clash and moved to third in the Rugby Union National League Two while Blackheath, known as Club, left with nothing and dropped to third from bottom, level on points with second-from-bottom Halifax.

Waterloo, nicknamed The Drummers, started with pace and lock Dave Mercer could have scored a try in the opening minute but had to console himself with a penalty score by team mate Neil Hunter.

For the next 15 minutes Club laid seige to the Waterloo try line but, after deciding to scrum rather than take a penalty, there was to be no score for the visitors.

The Drummers stormed back and won a penalty which was moved forward 10 yards not once, but twice, by the referee.

Waterloo chipped to the corner, won a line out, launched a heavy drive and scored a converted try through Dave Blyth and Hunter's boot.

A mix-up in Club's defence between Dave Foxwell and Tryone Sourer nearly gifted Waterloo a second try but Biljon cleared up and although the hosts had another penalty, Hunter kicked short for a half time score of 10-0.

Torrential rain in the second half seemed to inspire Club as Pope, Chris Brain and Rob Webber surged at the hosts until Will Thorpe eventually scored a deserved try, converted by Sourer.

But Waterloo retaliated immediately through Hunter's unconverted try quickly followed by two more home tries for Steve Nutt and Martin O'Keefe, the second converted by Hunter.

Biljon made three excellent breaks but his team mates must have forgotten how quick he is as there was no back up on each occasion.

Club had the final say in the match in bizarre circumstances when Brain broke free through the middle and kicked ahead for a chase.

He was brought down and the race was on between Nick Maurer and Hunter.

The defender's kick for touch hit the post and as he crashed into the upright, Maurer scooped up the ball to score while Waterloo's Dominic Moon, in trying to cover, fell awkwardly and broke his ankle.

Sourer kicked the extra points but it was not enough for Club who now face a vital home match against Wharfdale who are two points above them in the league, ko: 3pm at The Rectory Field, Charlton Road, Blackheath.