Blackheath arrived at Oakfield knowing that a win would secure the league Title, the T-Birds however had other ideas and were not prepared to just roll over.
After the defeat at Blackheath on a terrible pitch in appalling conditions, the Ts were praying for good weather to let the backline loose.
A dry firm pitch and some sunshine were a welcome change and Ts took full advantage.
As always, attacking into the wind from the off, the Ts forced a penalty for holding on inside the Blackheath half. In a great display of 15 a side rugby, the forwards drove right to the touchline and then jacked back left for the backs to run. Full Back Sally Appleton joined the line and slipped through a gap for the first score of the day, 5-0 in only 3 minutes.
Both sides then played some fine physical rugby in both attack and defence. With the T’s pack on top in the scrums and Blackheath dominating the Lineout, honours were about even and so it stayed to half time. 5-0.
In the second half the pattern continued, both sides launching attacks and both defences holding firm, most play being between the 22s.
Finally with about 15 minutes gone, following a series of penalties where they had failed to capitalise by running, Blackheath kicked for the posts to bring the score to 5-3.
Blackheath immediately pressed for another score but were perhaps over eager and a series of 3 penalties let T’s go from their own 5 meter line to a lineout on theBlackheath 5m line. The lineout worked well and the unstoppable catch and drive allowed Jo Convoy to touch down and bring the score to 10-3 with 20 minutes left on the clock.
It was then end to end stuff until the final whistle, Blackheath giving it everything with Ts resolute in defence. Twice Blackheath were held up over the line but they never looked like securing the 2 scores needed to win.
Final Score 10-3.
The T-Birds now sit top of the table having played all their games, but the League is out of their hands, everything now depends on the last few last few matches of teams below. If local rivals Romford and Gidea Park can deny Wasps a bonus point T’s could still win the League on points difference.
Back of the match with another incredible tackling performance was Amy Radford and Forward of the match was Veronica Ely for her great rucking.
