Barking moved another step closer to securing the National Two (South) championship with a convincing victory over a game Richmond side, who competed well for half the game before running out of steam. Barking demonstrated a quality and efficiency which Richmond will need to replicate if they aspire to contesting the top places in the league next year. Too often this season, Richmond have got themselves into competitive match situations before lapses of concentration have given away soft tries.

Barking started in confident mood, moving the ball at speed and retaining possession well as they probed the opposition defence. Richmond did well to hold out though they were grateful for a Barking knock on five metres out. Gradually Richmond settled down and adjusted to the fast pace of the game. Nick Moore made a good break up the wing and Johnny Wehbe only just clipped the line when worked into promising space.

The game continued to ebb and flow, with both sides having chances, though the Barking scrum looked ominously strong and they were more aggressive and effective at the tackle. After fourteen minutes one of the Barking centres made a clean break and a try looked certain until Joe Brown came across from the wing to save the day with a bone shuddering cover tackle.

And after twenty-three minutes, Richmond got the first try, certainly one of the best tries of the season. A Barking clearance was fielded by Wehbe and Alex Maclennan took the ball on, making good ground before finding skipper Henry Head, who passed on to Alastair Lyon twenty metres out. With the backs lined up outside, the ball was quickly moved down the line to Matt Hart, who flicked the ball through his legs as he took the tackle. Nevertheless Nick Moore on the outside was left with work to do to get round the covering Barking defence and he managed this superbly with an inside and then outside break to score in the corner. Matt Hart added an excellent conversion and Richmond led 7-0.

Barking were clearly rattled at this stage and Richmond had a penalty chance which was pulled just left of the posts. Two minutes later lock Stuart Riding was yellow carded for hands in the ruck and Richmond had a clear chance to take advantage. Good sides cope well under pressure and Barking now demonstrated their quality. Their forwards coped comfortably with their reduced numbers and when Richmond conceded a penalty, Barking stepped up a gear and centre Harry Owens made a clean break for a good try converted by Craig Ratford. The half time whistle followed and Barking were level and back to fifteen men. The momentum of the game had now changed.

Richmond added a penalty in the first minutes of the second half when James Kellard was penalised and yellow carded for killing the ball. But Barking now looked much sharper and more confident despite the numerical disparity. After seven minutes they took a lead which they never lost. Given a free kick on the 22, Barking reacted much quicker than Richmond and moved the ball quickly to centre Sean Flannery who had an easy run in under the posts. The lead was extended to eleven points after seventeen minutes. The ball was moved quickly to the dangerous David Vincent, who had the space and speed to run in from thirty metres.

Richmond’s best chances now stemmed from Matt Hart’s ability to spot space behind the defence and to drill the ball deep into the Barking 22 with unerring accuracy. But, hard as they toiled, Richmond did not have the forward power to trouble a well drilled opposition defence. Having worked hard and effectively to hold the league leaders for the best part of an hour, Richmond now gave away two fairly ordinary tries, which betrayed tiredness and some frustration. First a rather aimless kick ceded possession to full back Chris Jones, who set up Vincent for another searing break, flanker Anthony Andrew being on hand to take the inside pass. And then, with ten minutes to go, a laboured Richmond pass was easily intercepted by Vincent, who saw off two off balance tackles with confident aplomb and raced in again from forty metres.

There was absolutely no disgrace for Richmond on the day. Barking are a good side and worthy champions. Their turn round from the previous season has been impressive and shows what can be achieved. Next week Richmond travel to Canterbury for their last away game of the season. Kick off is 3pm.

Try: Moore

Conversion: Hart

Penalty: Hart

Team: M.Hart (S.Flynn), J.Wehbe, N.Moore (D.West), A.Maclennan, J.Brown,  L.Cousins, T.Henry  A.Lyon (G.Blackborow), E.Rosa (J.Clapson), D.Marfo , H.Head (C), T.Wesley (J.Downey), T.Sadler, G.Hart, T.George.