Rosslyn Park, perhaps suffering a reaction from their efforts at Wharfedale the previous week, put in an error-strewn performance to lose the local derby with Blackheath.

It was Park’s first home defeat since March 2012 (when Fylde were the visitors) and sees them slip to seven points behind the leaders, Doncaster, but they remain in second place eight points ahead of the third club, Fylde.

It was a blow to Park’s chances when star back-row man, Sam Shires, had to pull out, injured, before the match and then full-back Ed Lewis-Pratt had to leave the field with an injury early in the match.

But Alex Codling was offering no excuses, he said:  "Full credit must go to Blackheath who deserved the win.

"It was always going to be tough to back up the immense performance last week and we never reached anywhere near those levels.

“The one positive was once again the scrum which has been immense all season. The boys have been fantastic this season and will look to bounce back next week at Worthing."

Park will be keeping fingers crossed that Lewis-Pratt’s injury is not too serious and that he and Shires will be fit for next Saturday’s visit to Worthing Raiders.

However, one flanker who will definitely not make it is Harry Rowland, who is currently on crutches following a leg operation.