Club building confidence

Not a perfect performance.

Indeed the concession of three early penalties, which led to an early try for Nuns’ second-row Aaron Turner, put Blackheath on the back foot initially.

But in the end it was an emphatic victory that will boost morale ahead of the opening league game at London Scottish next Saturday and one which will please stand-in skipper Richard Windsor in particular.

The Australian had the dubious pleasure of leading Blackheath in the defeat to Nuneaton at Liberty Way in February.

Now, however, that memory can be erased, not least through the efforts of younger brother and centre partner Sam, who collected half his side’s points tally with two tries and a near faultless kicking display.

Once Blackheath gained momentum they were firmly in control. Quick ball at the breakdown from scrum-half Jack Walsh allowed the backs to penetrate, leading to an early response from left-wing James Stephenson and strong running, particularly from Dave Allen at open-side and full-back Ben Ransom, set up further tries for Dom Shabbo and Sam Windsor prior to the interval.

Nuneaton kept in touch with a score from centre Richard Johnson but as the second period progressed the Club pack gained an increasing ascendancy that, for Nuns, not even the introduction of Trevor Leota could arrest.

In fact it was fellow South Sea Islander Epi Taione, making a guest appearance for Blackheath, who made more of a mark, powering over in the 70th minute.

Before that, however, a penalty try and an effort from Club wing Tyson Lewis had already extended the hosts’ advantage, and although centre Will Cave added a try for the visitors, Stephenson and Windsor put further icing to the cake for Blackheath with tries in the 76th and 80th minute.

Blackheath Tries: Stephenson 2, Shaboo, Windsor (Sam) 2, Penalty try, Lewis, Taione. Conv: Windsor (Sam) 7. Pens: Windsor (Sam) 2. Nuneaton Tries: Turner, Johnson, Cave. Conv: Thomas. Pens: Thomas