Blackheath 18 Westcombe Park 22

Blackheath old boy Derek Coates returned to the Rectory Field last Staurday to quite literally put the boot in on his old club, scoring all the points in Park's victory.

Club had started with a bang when Jon Griffin knocked over a penalty after only two minutes, and then won two line-outs on the trot to put their arch rivals on the back-foot.

But, inevitably, Club conceded a penalty and the impeccable Coates stroked the ball between the posts.

Club were continually on the offensive and a great run from Chris Trace looked like being a certain try, but the referee pulled him back for an infringement.

Park were now under severe pressure, so it was not a great surprise when Club went 8-3 ahead after a superb drive forward down the left-wing allowed prop Mark Hathaway to notch his second try of the season. But Jon Griffin missed a very difficult conversion.

During this time Combe ventured only once into the home half with a good kick ahead, but centre Pat Sykes held back Robin Morrow to give away a penalty.

Jon Griffin added another penalty to make it 11-3 and even the hardy Combe fans would admit their boys were under the cosh and relieved when the half-time whistle went even though Coates had kicked another penalty.

The second half continued with Club dominating the first 25 minutes, apart from a lapse by Jon Griffin, whose cross-field pass was intercepted by Coates to stroll in for an easy five-pointer, plus an even easier conversion for two more.

Hathaway went over for another try which Griffin converted to make it 18-13 and Park then decided on allout attack. The Club line resembled the Alamo as wave after wave came at them and the inevitable happened, three penalties from Coates to leave the final score 22-18.

Coates said: "Mark Percival pinned us back with his deep kicking but we showed a lot of character, but to be fair we were lucky!"