The third successive outing against a fully professional side for Blackheath in their first Champ campaign, and on paper the most taxing to date.

Against the former Prem side, and at the impressive Sixways Stadium in front of a partisan  crowd 5,300-strong, the floodgates threatened to open early in the second period, as Worcester quickly added two further tries to the couple they`d scored prior to the interval, to lead by 19-points.

However, against the odds, the Club responded with the grit and determination they`ve demonstrated on previous occasions this term, narrowing the gap to a mere five points  with twelve minutes remaining, only for a late try from Warriors` replacement prop Ashley Challenger settling the result in favour of the West Midlanders.

‘The boys can be very proud of their efforts.  Against a very good side, and in front of a big crowd, to lead the game for over 30 minutes and be competitive throughout is a real testament to their character,’ said head coach Tom Stradwick.

‘We had a few niggles so made some changes, but everyone out there deserved their spot, and what it shows is we have a very wide squad with a lot of competition for places.’

‘I’m very happy from that point of view.’

For sure, for almost the entire first half it was the visitors, with the excellent Josh Smart wearing the captain`s armband in the absence of Billy Harding, and switching flanks to the open-side, who held the advantage, albeit a small one.

Loose ball in midfield was moved quickly out wide to where Jordan Burns found a gap in the Worcester cover, the Club scrum-half racing home from 50-metres for his sixth try of the season and a 5-0 lead with just four minutes played.

A scruffy lineout, along with  handling errors, frustrated Worcester, and twice Blackheath turned possession close to their own goal-line.

Blackheath lineout, on the other hand, with Ben Chapman making his first start at hooker, and Tom Everard making a welcome return from Australia in the second row, worked like a dream. 

Backed up with some fine out-of-hand kicking, courtesy of Burns and Ed Dunford at half-back, it gave the Club a platform, but eventually the Warriors just had to make their mighty scrum count, and as the visitors conceded a succession of penalties at the set-piece, Tom Seabrook powered over.

Moments later, the inside-centre added his second, this time from a break from scrum ball in his own half of the field, and with Will Reed adding both conversions, the hosts led 14-5 at the break.

Ten points were added in fewer minutes at the start of the second period, as Warriors hooker Austin Wallis dived across out wide, and wing Jake Garside showed searing pace to score.

Nevertheless, instead of caving in, Blackheath`s response was positive, as quick-thinking from Burns, with Jake Hennessey in support, made ground from a tap-and-go penalty, Tom Emery coming up from full-back to score out wide.

Then, in the 68th  minute, Hennessey found space on the right flank, Dunford producing an inch-perfect cross-field punt for Tom Kendrick to gather and score on his Club debut at centre, and with Dunford adding his second conversion, Blackheath drew to within a score.

Ultimately, however, it was the Worcester scrum that proved decisive.  As the hosts regained their foothold close to the Blackheath goal-line, a penalty saw them opt for a set move, and as they picked and drove infield, Challenger snuck over for the killer blow.

Blackheath return to The Utilita Well Hall next Saturday, when Bedford Blues are the visitors.  Kick off is at 3.00 pm.

Worcester Warriors

Tries:   Seabrook 38, 40, Wallis 45, Garside 49, Challenger 71

Conv:  Reed 38,40, 71

Blackheath

Tries:   Burns 4, Emery 58, Kendrick 69

Conv:  Dunford 58, 69

Attendance:   5,300