Allen’s return inspires Blackheath success in the Dales
12:34pm Sunday 6th February 2011
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Wharfedale 14 Blackheath 21
Dave Allen’s return from injury heralded one of Blackheath’s best performances of the season as the Club scored their first victory away from home since mid-October, and in so doing wiped away the
memory of last week’s disappointing display at Stourbridge.
The open-side flanker was driven over the try-line on just nine minutes as the visitors secured the perfect start at one of the remotest and toughest venues in National League rugby.
Wharfedale, who hadn’t played a competitive match for three weeks prior to this contest due to the adverse weather, responded with a penalty from full-back Tom Davidson and a well-struck drop goal
from fly-half Tom Barrett to edge ahead on the half-hour.
But in a half where Blackheath’s endeavour and enterprise created the best of the chances, inside centre Sam Windsor struck a 40th minute penalty to give the visitors a slender advantage at the
interval.
Windsor’s second penalty extended the lead early in the second period, and as Wharfedale were reduced to 14 men with the sin-binning of flanker Dan Solomi, a good recycling move saw Ledua Jope, the
Fijian number-eight enjoying a storming performance, cross in the left corner for a ten point cushion.
Wharfedale stepped up a gear to produce their best phase of the match with a 62nd minute Davidson penalty soon followed by the Yorkshire side’s pack driving over hooker Steve Graham for a try to
bring the hosts within two points.
But a grey, dark afternoon in the Dales was illuminated by the best try of the afternoon when on 70 minutes Luke Baldwin made a break from a scrum on his own ten-metre line.
The scrum-half timed his pass to perfection to send James Stephenson racing away for the Club’s third try, and although there was a moment of danger when the Dalesmen broke 70 metres up field in
the final play of the match, Blackheath held on for the win.
Next Saturday Blackheath return home to Rectory Field to face Sedgley Park in a 3.00 pm kick-off.
Wharfedale Tries: Graham. Pens: Davidson 2. DG: Barrett.
Blackheath Tries: Allen, Jope, Stephenson. Pens: Windsor 2
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