Richmond may be destined to play a league below Blackheath once again this season but you can always guarantee they’ll provide stiff opposition in what has become a traditional pre-season encounter.

And with 146 years of rivalry between these two oldest of rugby union clubs adding an intensity, and making this more than just another friendly, it was the Surrey side that took the early initiative.

Their ability to make the most of the few early chances, often after they countered, having ripped the ball from Blackheath possession, gave them a 21-7 half-time lead.

Despite the hosts dominating the early phases, it was Richmond centre James Brooks, gliding through a Club defence which had drifted too far, who opened the scoring.

Having messed up an opportunity following a drive from a five-metre line-out, Blackheath made amends when James Cleverley was driven over soon after.

But Richmond loose-head Darryl Marfo peeled off a maul to reclaim the lead before, just prior to the break, some lovely hands following a scrum on half-way sent right-wing James Greenwood across for the visitors’ third.

With Dave Packer making a useful addition to their back-row, Blackheath upped their game in the second period, piercing the opposition midfield twice, initially through Richard Windsor, and then through the Australian’s younger brother, and centre partner, Sam, the latter adding the conversions before slotting two penalties.

But Richmond finished in the ascendancy.

A strike against the head led to left-wing Mike West haring down the left touch-line for a try beautifully converted by Ross Broadfoot to re-establish the lead, before tight-head Owen Gregory capped a fine performance, touching down following a close-range line-out.

Blackheath play Nuneaton in their final pre-season friendly next Saturday at Club@Well Hall, Kidbrooke Lane, Eltham. The KO is 3.00 pm and admission is free.

Blackheath Tries: Cleverley, Windsor (Richard), Windsor (Sam). Conv: Windsor (Sam) 3. Pens: Windsor (Sam) 2. Richmond Tries: Brooks, Marfo, Greenwood, West, Gregory. Conv: Cousins 3. Pens: Broadfoot 2