Blackheath 18 v 29 Wharfedale

Rugby Union Nat League Two

BLACKHEATH slumped to their seventh straight league defeat at home to Wharfedale, writes Jack Kay.

Blackheath, known as Club, are still third from bottom in the table.

The hosts started well but the visitors scored first when Chris Malherbe went over for an unconverted try.

Despite coming back strongly through Ken Aseme, Paul Sampson and Ed Birrill, Club only had a penalty score to show for their efforts.

Debutant 18-year-old Frankie Neale hit the kick for his first senior penalty.

A Simon Horsfall try, converted by Mark Bedworth's boot, stretched the visitor's lead.

Two more Neale penalties reduced the deficit but Wharfedale scored again via Hedley Verity.

Neale's fourth penalty, from 45 yards, meant at half time it was 12-19.

He then scored penalties five and six but another Bedworth punt and a converted try in the dying minutes secured the win for the team from Yorkshire.

Neale said: "I was always confident, moreso after the first kick but I don't think the scoreline reflected the game."

Club have no match this weekend due to cup action.