15 points from the boot of Freddie Gabbitass, plus a solitary try from Geoff Griffiths, downed a Park side that showed plenty of endeavour at Rectory Field but, ultimately, little attacking edge.

The 20-7 triumph lifted Blackheath into second spot in the division, six points behind leaders Richmond but with a game in hand. For Park, the afternoon promised much after an early penalty try and though the commitment and application in defence was outstanding, indiscipline would ultimately lead to Gabbitass kicking his side to a deserved win.

Park had their moments – Mark Kohler and Andrew Henderson were a menace, especially in the first half – and led at the break, albeit by just a point at 6-7.

However, this Blackheath side is a different animal from the outfit of the past couple of years, with Mike Friday and his coaching side having put together a thoroughly well-drilled unit, with a couple of gems. It was one of their more experienced campaigners in Geoff Griffiths who would deliver the telling blow, collecting an intelligent looping pass from the wily Jack Walsh to go over with 12 minutes to play.

Park soaked up a lot of pressure in the second period and even though Club only found their way over the whitewash just the once, five penalties from Gabbitass came from a result of consistent indiscipline in front of their own goal.

There will be plenty for James Buckland and his group to take into Saturday’s home tie against Fylde, not least the quality of work in defence excellent, along with the development of young talent. Scrum-half Will Crow was a stand-out performer for an unheralded Dorking side in National Two South last season, and he is beginning to show the attributes that led to his move to south-west London in the summer.

Park can now only watch from afar as three of their London rivals remain involved in the tussle for the sole promotion spot into the Championship. There is plenty to play for, though, heading into the final third of the season with planning for a serious tilt at the title next year beginning in earnest as the maverick talents of the men from the north-west head to the Rock this Saturday.

Kick off for that one is at 3pm and, as ever, there will be live match commentary on our twitter feed, @rosslynpark

 

Mo Sher (@MSSher1)

January 26, 2016