Blackheath take lion’s share

NATIONAL TWO EAST DREAM TEAM >> THE BEST XV FROM THE 2022-23 SEASON | Ben Jaycock canvassed the views of our National Two East reporters to compile The Rugby Paper’s 2022-23 Team of the Season

- Ben Jaycock

RUNAWAY champions Blackheath were a class above the rest in National Two East and therefore represent a third of this new look team that features brand new players for each position. James Shanahan’s side possessed a beefy pack that dominated their counterparts therefore it comes to no surprise that half of the Dream Team pack are from the newly promoted side. Second place Barnes, who beat Blackheath at the tail end of the season, secured a club record finish in second and are rewarded with three representatives. Fourth place Worthing have two inclusions, while fellow top half sides Dorking, Old Albanians, Bury St Edmunds and Henley Hawks are represented. Despite enduring a tough season down the bottom and narrowly avoiding relegation on the last day of the season, North Walsham are the only team in the bottom half to be included as their fly-half Matt Hodgson was instrumental in guiding them to safety. Players from Tonbridge Juddians, Guernsey, Canterbury, Sevenoaks, Rochford Hundred and Westcliff failed to make the cut.

15. Alex Noot (Old Albanians)

A full back who is comfortable at 10, 13 or 15, possesses a great kicking game but is also devastating in open play with his pace and footwork. His exploits as a killer finisher are shown by his eight tries in 21 games this season. Noot secured himself a move to league champions Blackheath earlier this week and will relish the opportunity to test himself in National One. Noot was pushed hard by Bury St Edmunds’ Charlie Reed who showcased his deadeye kicking skills and potent counter attacking ability.

14. Tobermory McRae (Dorking)