Canterbury 12 Blackheath 57: National League 2 East match report

By David Haigh

Canterbury were taken apart as unbeaten National League 2 East pacesetters Blackheath ran riot on Saturday, winning 57-12.

The visitors' pace, skill and organisation, allied with players of the calibre of centre Jake Hennessey and wing Alex Harris, meant they rarely let an opportunity go to waste.

Canterbury couldn't handle them - the pair claiming five tries, Hennessey getting a hat-trick and the elusive Harris grabbing two and making another score for Freddie Owen.

The real shocks to Canterbury's system did not surface for half an hour, despite the visitors dominating possession.

A kick-and-chase try for Harris, plus a penalty goal and conversion from Tom Fitch, had Canterbury eyeing a manageable first half. That optimism was then shattered, though, in a devastating six-minute window which saw Harris, Owen and Hennessey, with tremendous footwork, exploit the city club's defensive frailties. Fitch converted all three three tries to leave the host trailing 31-0 at the break.

At the start of the second half and with the wind now in their favour, Canterbury raised faint hopes by making the first score.

A yellow card for Blackheath's Marcus Burcham brought a penalty and a catch-and-drive opportunity, Alex Evans getting the touchdown.

That, however, was a minor blip for a side that revealed their class with another four tries.

Canterbury's best efforts were at the set-pieces where the pack did a solid job but when ball was moved wide it was a different story.

Clever offloading and support work, with players always available either side of their ball carriers, was in sharp contrast to a pedestrian and wilting Canterbury.

Hennessey, twice, Steve Leonard and Jake Lloyd crowned all the good work and Fitch slotted