Blackheath FC was founded in 1858 by old boys of Blackheath Preparatory School and joined the Football Association for a very brief spell five years later.

They left after a dispute over the drawing up of the laws of the game.

Eventually they joined the newly-formed RFU in 1871 and are one of seven founder clubs surviving today of the original 22.

A couple of seasons later club captain Frederick Stokes skippered England in their maiden international against Scotland at Edinburgh.

Incidentally, Stokes opened Old Redingensians’ new ground at Emmer Green in 1927.

Blackheath moved to Rectory Field in 1883 and remained there until 2016 when Well Hall, Eltham became their new headquarters.

During their time at the former ground, they entertained the first-ever touring All Blacks in 1905-6 and lost 32-0.

When leagues were formed in 1987, Blackheath were placed in National Two and since then have been consistently in the National leagues.

Famous players who have worn the red-and black are Micky Skinner, All Black John Gallagher and British Lion Mike Campbell-Lamerton, plus the ubiquitous CB Fry.

A fictional Blackheath player was Dr Watson of Sherlock Holmes fame.

Our clubs met for the first time during the 2019-20 season and Blackheath completed a double with a 22-17 home success before a 31-18 victory at Old Bath Road.

Club made it three in a row as they triumphed 17-13 at OBR in December 2021, Rams posting a first success with a 29-17 win at Well Hall in April 2022.

And they followed that up with a 42-22 triumph back in November, the second-half performance one of their best of the season.