A crisp Sunday morning saw Richmond Valkyries invite Belsize Park to the RAG for a top-of-the-table clash. Both teams were undefeated in their respective regions of NC 2 South East, with Belsize having won six from six in the Northwest and the Valkyries boasting 11 from 11 in Central. This was a friendly fixture in name only, with both teams eager to prove their mettle ahead of potential promotions at the end of the season.

Richmond opened the scoring early, with back row partnership Molly Smyth and Amy Snook breaking the Belsize defensive line in quick succession and both dotting down under the posts. Vice-captain Sophie Messem was reliable as ever with her drop-kick, converting both tries to establish a 14-0 lead within ten minutes.

Belsize Park gained a strong defensive foothold from this point onwards, tested by repeated attacks from second-row pairing Isabella Holland and Zara Benett. Richmond worked steadily towards the try line before Smyth crashed over for her second score of the day, though the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. Belsize answered with a try of their own, but Catherine Teyssier ensured a decisive Richmond lead with a blistering run to score just before the half. Richmond led 26 – 7 at the break.

Energised by a competitive opposition, Richmond turned the screw in the second half, with front-row Jovi Uysin powering over from five metres out, converted by Messem. Belsize returned fire with a second try, spurring Richmond’s Molly Behling to re-establish control with a well-taken pick-and-go, again converted; 40-14.

Belsize Park took ownership of the ball for the final quarter, mounting an impressive counterattack and scoring two fantastic tries, both converted. But in the closing moments, Richmond veteran Oli Davies weaved through defenders to secure Richmond’s last score of the day, unconverted.

Full-time score: Richmond 45 – 28 Belsize Park

Assistant Coach, Fraser MacDonald-Lister said “The Valkyries have gone from strength to strength this season in pursuit of promotion to NC 1. Competing in friendly fixtures with other top teams from across NC 2, and winning, proves they’re ready to make to make that step up. I’m fiercely proud of the players and their relentless positivity, especially those who debuted, returned from injury, or are learning to play in new positions!”

Three fixtures now stand between Richmond Valkyries and promotion to NC 1, with local rivals Battersea Ironsides next in their sights. Forward of the Match, Claudia Yu, and Back of the Match, Catherine Teyssier, will no doubt lead the charge as the squad travels to Garrett Green for what promises to be another thrilling and high-scoring league fixture.