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In a topsy-turvy season, Richmond put together a spirited and determined performance to win a convincing victory over sixth placed visitors, Canterbury. Whilst the winning points were scored in the final five minutes, it would have been a travesty if Richmond had not emerged victors in a hard fought and thoroughly entertaining game, sponsored by Message Base. After the despair of the previous week’s game at Worthing, Richmond made a number of changes, of which the most notable was the return of the experienced Sean Flynn, back from Australia, at fly half. Richmond started well, having kicked off at the unfamiliar time of two o’ clock and Canterbury were still getting their bearings when skipper Henry Head, outstanding throughout, was put into space twenty metres out and cantered over for a try which followed some patient build up work. Matt Hart added the conversion on a day when conversion kicks were to prove vital. The home side continued to dominate proceedings for the first quarter but errors and wrong options sometimes interrupted the momentum, both sides making frequent handling mistakes in the strong cross breeze. Ed Rosa and Alastair Lyon were involved in an attack which was just forced out at the corner flag. But then disaster struck. Richmond looked as if they were dealing comfortably with a rare Canterbury attack when Matt Hart’s clearance kick was charged down. With Johnny Wehbe well positioned to cover, this did not appear calamitous but a wicked bounce favoured the taller Benjamin Thomas and the Canterbury centre took his chance gratefully to score an unlikely try. Crucially Peter Clarke, who roamed everywhere to great effect, resourcefully charged down the easy conversion kick to preserve a Richmond lead at 7-5. However, further adversity now followed with referee Mr Cooper deeming a tackle by prop forward Lyon sufficiently dangerous to merit a yellow card. Canterbury must have started to think it was going to be their day and, after missing an initial penalty, made amends by sucking in the home defence to provide a clear overlap for Thomas to score his second try and give his side a 7-10 lead. With the game well into injury time Richmond struck back and it was the best try of the day. Andy Saunders was given a yard of space and managed to outflank the defence, stay infield and get in a well judged pass to the supporting Hart who in turn found Flynn for a really well worked try. Hart added an excellent conversion, his kicking meaning that Richmond went into half time in good heart with a deserved14-10 lead. Richmond started the second half just as well and should have added to their score when Flynn, otherwise an excellent midfield general, strangely opted to try a drop goal with an overlap outside him. But yet again, there was another twist in events when Richmond now suffered another yellow card. Trevor Sadler was pulled up for a late tackle, which in fact looked perfectly well timed to the naked eye. With the penalty appearing to be somewhat of an over reaction, the touch judge then intervened and Sadler was given a yellow card as well. Once again Canterbury took full advantage and drove from a five metre lineout for a simple forwards’ try. And, once again, the conversion was missed. But, with Richmond still down to fourteen men, Canterbury heaped on the pressure and forced a deliberate knock down in defence, Philip Gibson converting the penalty to give his side a 14-18 lead. With recent confidence levels rather depleted, Richmond might have slumped to another defeat but this time they demonstrated splendid resolve and determination to force their way back into the game. Patiently building up pressure through their forwards, the home side worked their way deep into the Canterbury 22 and battered away at the line. Canterbury had no real answer other than to slow the ball by any means. After twenty-seven minutes Hart narrowed the gap to one point with a penalty and for ten minutes thereafter another score seemed inevitable. However small mistakes again denied tries as, first, one pass went into touch and then the forwards held the ball one time too many. With Jack Gibbons and Nick Moore both making their first team debuts and contributing well, Richmond maintained their focus admirably and sheer force of will and no little physical effort eventually forced a breach in the defence, Clarke finally throwing a long pass out to Wehbe for a wildly celebrated try in the corner. Hart again made a superb conversion, and, with Richmond not about to throw away their hard work, added a final penalty to deny the visitors even a bonus point. Tom George, this time at No 8, was adjudged Laithwaites’ Man of the Match for another admirable hard working performance. Next week Richmond entertain Southend at the Athletic Ground(kick off 3pm) and should be much more confident following this excellent victory. Tries: Head, Flynn, Wehbe Conversions: Hart (3) Penalties: Hart (2) Team: M.Hart, J.Wehbe, A.Saunders( N.Moore), L.Cousins, A.Simmie, S.Flynn, T.Henry, A.Lyon, E.Rosa, D.Parkinson (A.Friel), H.Head, T.Wesley, T.Sadler ( J.Gibbons), T.George, P.Clarke. .
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