EDF Energy National Trophy 3rd Round
For the second time in three years, Blackheath stumble at the first hurdle of the English Knock-Out Cup against lower league opposition. Kendal arrived, for the first time ever at Rectory Field, with a reputedly strong pack and thought to be better than their current eighth position in National League Three North would suggest. And so it proved, as on a sodden December day made for forward-dominated rugby, and against a Club side featuring a number of fringe players given the opportunity to push for a first team berth, the Kendal forwards completely outclassed their opponents, particularly in a second period where Blackheath were hardly given a sniff.
The platform though was laid in the first half. Tom White, playing at fly-half, produced a perfect grubber kick on five minutes for Martin Olima to ground over the try-line, and give the hosts the early advantage, but it was quickly cancelled out as the Kendal pack picked and drove their way forward for inside-centre and skipper Ian Voortman to level the scores. Then, on 15 minutes Kendal outside-half Dan Stephens put up a garryowen on the Club twenty-two which bounced kindly enough for wing Lewis Boyd to collect and dive under the uprights for a 12-8 lead.
It could have been more. Olima was given the benefit of the doubt that he touched down the ball before a Kendal hand got to it in the Blackheath in-goal area and the half-time whistle denied the visitors a five-metre scrum when the ball was held up over the line, but no matter, the second half would be all Black and Amber. Tight-head Richard Harryman on 52 minutes, and flanker Gary Holmes on 70, added the third and fourth tries, both after penalties had given the visitors close range line-outs, and Blackheath never looked like getting close to another score.
Congratulations to Kendal, a thoroughly deserved win and they can look forward to the draw for the next round on Monday. Disappointment for Blackheath who, on reflection, perhaps lacked a little focus!
Scorers:
Blackheath Tries: Olima
Cons: White
Kendal Tries: Voortman
Boyd
Harryman
Holmes
Cons: Stephens