When mentioning rugby clubs in the eastern side of London Blackheath is the major club in the league but there is also another club in the same division as Blackheath from the same part of London.
Old Elthamians ply their trade in the third division of the English rugby union system.
They have a rich history boasting players such as Andrew Sheridan, who went on to win 40 international caps for England, coming through their ranks, and also two players Max Wilkins and Nick Tomkins, who are both with Premiership and double European champions Saracens.
Fearless
Old Elthamians were in fact founded in Blackheath.
After the war Old Elthamians resumed playing and had a reputation for being a robust side with good skill but also quite fearless in the tackle. Many teams had avoided playing Old Elthamians due to there reputation as a side that would leave a couple of the opposition sides players needing more attention post match.
Despite such close proximity between the two clubs they have only encountered each other on three occasions.
Old Elthamians have come out winners twice, most recently in September winning away at Blackheath’s Well End stadium 10-21.
The first derby match in December 2017 pulled in a record attendance at Elthamians’ home Meadow ground. A crowd of 1,653 turned out to watch the game.
Promotions
The upturn in fortunes for Old Elthamians has coincided with the appointment of Gavin Lach as Director of Rugby.
Since his arrival he has overseen two promotions in the last three seasons,
In their first season in the third division of rugby they finished in sixth position, only a place below Blackheath.
This season Old Elthamians have made a blistering start to the league campaign sitting in second place behind Blackheath but level on points, winning seven out of 11 games.
Defeated
Old Elthamians can take comfort from the fact they have already defeated table toppers Blackheath and also that they have the leading points scorer in the division in ex Blackheath full back Tom White.
The possibility of a promotion race between two rival sides is something that has made the attendances increase and draw interest. It no doubt will be fascinating to see if the less known and mentioned club from Blackheath beats the well known sleeping giant that is Blackheath RFC.
