Blackheath vs Doncaster Knights: Match Review

BLAZE rugby commentator Sam Roberts looks back on the clash between Blackheath and Doncaster Knights, the third Elior Champ Rugby fixture to be shown live on BLAZE.

New boys Blackheath overcame Doncaster at the Utilita Stadium in South East London in a thriller on Sunday afternoon.

It was a gutsy display from the home side, in a game that had a bit of everything. The visitors started the sharpest with two well-worked tries, the first out wide from Fijian flyer Penaia Tagutu; the second from young Ben Glanville, diving over from close range after some smart driving maul work. But Blackheath stayed in the fight, and the quick feet of Luke Pollock danced through the Knights’ defensive line to bring them within five.

The South Yorkshire side responded with another well-fashioned try; Tagutu, again, bowling defenders out of the way. But in the background, a fight broke out, and a yellow card was brandished captain Veainu’s way that seemed to embolden Blackheath. Just before halftime, they pushed their way over the line, Archie Holland, the experienced prop producing the goods.

The second half belonged to the home side. More yellow cards were handed out to Donny, Alex Dolly and Alex Wardell both spending time in the bin, and with the man disadvantage they found it hard to keep Blackheath out. A try from Jordan Burns and two penalties from fly half Sam Morley made the game safe. Historic scenes as “Club” claim their first win in England’s second tier.

Next weekend BLAZE travels to West London as Ealing host Hartpury, with kick off at 4pm.