Rugby union: Blackheath end four-week break with home game against Birmingham Moseley

BY GRAHAM COX

Blackheath return to action tomorrow – after a four-week break – as they welcome Birmingham Moseley to Well Hall for their first match of 2022.

The halfway mark of the season sees the Club in ninth position in National League One after a mixed opening. The 22-20 defeat in the reverse fixture against the West Midlanders at Billesley Common in September is one of a number of narrow reversals which have marked their campaign so far.

“It’s very frustrating to lose a game in the dying moments,” said Blackheath head coach James Shanahan.

“In truth, we didn’t play particularly well, but it was there for us and we couldn’t close it out. We need to turn these tight defeats into wins.’

The matches leading up to the Christmas break did see an improvement in performance with three wins in the last five outings, although the last match ended in a 24-28 loss against Sale FC.

“We controlled territory and possession against Sale FC, but they were more clinical with their limited opportunities, as we had been at Rams the week before,” said Shanahan.

“Anyone can beat anyone on the day, which is making this season very close and interesting and there are no easy games.

“We follow Moseley with two long away trips against very good sides, Darlington Mowden Park and Caldy, who are on a roll, so January is going to be a tough month.

“However, we’re starting to gel now after a patchy start, and I’m looking for 14 strong performances to see us finish high in the table.’

Blackheath against Birmingham Moseley is a 3pm kick-off.

PICTURE: SEAN GOSLING