Late try sees Cambridge suffer home defeat to Blaydon

Keith Laughlin gives Blaydon a lifeline

Keith Laughlin touched down late on to help Blaydon inflict a 43-40 defeat on Cambridge in National League One.

Cambridge had taken the lead after nine minutes as Dan Lewis chipped over the defence and collected on the bounce to touch down, and he then added the conversion.

Blaydon responded within three minutes as Jason Smithson’s break was recycled for Chris Wearmouth to score, and Brett Connon added the extras.

It was not long before Cambridge were back in front though, with Ean Griffiths finishing off some good recycling, and Lewis landed the conversion.

Connon then added a penalty for Blaydon, and they went ahead when Ben Stevenson intercepted a pass in his own half to race away and score, with Connon converting to make it 17-14.

The visitors, who are battling to beat the drop, then increased their advantage when good work along the line led to Ryan Foreman skipping past a challenge to score in the corner.

Connon continued his fine form from the tee to make it 24-14.

But Cambridge responded before the break as Matt Hema did well to make a tackle in the Blaydon 22 and also turnover possession for Albert Portsmouth to break through and score, with Lewis successful with the conversion to make it 24-21.

The hosts then made a good start to the second half as play was fed along the line for Mike Ayrton to burst through and touch down.

And they extended their advantage when Hema’s burst was finished off by the supporting Louis Rawlings, and Lewis converted for 33-24.

Good work on the line by Blaydon though was rewarded when Tom Grimes touched down and Connon kicked the conversion.

Cambridge went back in front when Hema used his power and then side-stepped the defender to score, and Lewis’ extras made it 40-31.

But Blaydon were showing tremendous spirit, and after a catch and drive, play went wide to Frazer Wilson to touch down in the corner.

And they grabbed a much-needed win in their battle against relegation as a scrum was recycled inside for Laughlin to get the vital try in the 81st minute, and Connon landed the conversion to make it 43-40.