Richmond continued their run of successes against London Scottish, recording their sixth win in the last seven games against them to retain the Bill & Temple Quaich. After a five week gap in any competitive fixtures because of COVID-19, Richmond will be delighted to have returned to league action with a five try victory against a Scottish side, who have been showing improving form. The win leaves Richmond in ninth position, with a game or two in hand over most opponents, whilst the Scots remain rooted in bottom place, now ten points adrift.

With every squad member passing their COVID test, Richmond fielded a familiar team, though missing skipper Cameron Mitchell, out with injury, and the unavailable Will Homer. James Kane had his first run out at fly-half, Will Kaye stepped in at fullback and flanker Jared Cardew returned from an injury suffered in September. To add spice to the game, Mark Bright, once Scottish captain, now skippered Richmond.

With a big crowd of more than 1,550 snaking all around the pitch and the weather perfect for running rugby, James Kane kicked off and the Scots were under immediate pressure, as Stephen Kerin’s clearance kick was charged down. Winger Owain James was secure all afternoon under the high ball, and Richmond earned an early penalty when he was tackled in the air. The Scots spoiled the lineout possession, but Richmond soon returned to the attack, handling confidently. Lennox Anyanwu was prominent with a strong run and the ball was moved quickly, giving Cardew some initial space. However, he still had plenty to do and showed good skill to step two opponents and score the opening try after eight minutes. Kane added a good conversion.

When the Scots kicked off in the eighth minute, they made their first incursion over half-way but they soon made it count. Their set scrum stayed down long enough to earn a penalty, which set them up in the 22. After five minutes of strong pressure, Kerin ran a wide arc from another scrum and Leo Fielding ran a lovely direct angle to burst through the defence and score under the posts, Harry Sheppard adding the conversion.

With the Scottish scrum looking especially confident, Richmond seemed set for a tight contest but in fact they scored three more tries before half-time to open up a commanding lead. Scrum-half James Lennon ensured a supply of quick ball and Kane’s thunderous touch kicks provided prime attacking space. Fullback Kaye, who had a fine afternoon, made the initial break for the second try, leaving Lennon and Huw Worthington clear to draw the last defender before sending the mobile James Hadfield speeding to the try line, Kane again adding the conversion.

With their scrum now looking much more solid, Richmond were enjoying plenty of possession, helped by Scottish errors. Richmond added a third try within three minutes. Once again, the handling and support play were excellent, with Henri Williams, Kaye and James prominent in an attack deep in the 22. The Scots were then penalised at the breakdown, and the pack drove over, the backs adding timely extra drive. Mark Bright was the scorer, giving him a remarkable 11 tries in 11 games.

Richmond had all the momentum now, and the Scots didn’t help themselves, knocking on the well placed kick off and then conceding a scrum penalty. Once again, the Richmond forwards set up for the drive, but this time the ball was moved out wide, and the backs appeared to be well covered. However, Kaye threaded a superb grubber to the corner and James did just as well to reach it first and get the touchdown for the fourth try before the ball rolled into touch. Kane added a touchline conversion.

London Scottish had their moments, but the Richmond defence allowed them no space. Kane nearly got away on an interception. Fielding provided the best chance for the Scots, judging a high ball perfectly to accelerate into the 22 but he was just caught, and the move fizzled out.

With the half-time score 7-26, Richmond looked to extend their lead and did so after five minutes. Cardew, who was prominent on his return, was put through a gap to get within ten metres. Once again, he was well supported, and Richmond moved the ball right and then back left where Kaye had the space and time to dummy a pass out wide before powering to the line.

With the score now 7-31, Richmond might have expected that Scottish efforts might drop, but in fact they dug deep and had their best period of play in the last quarter. Substitutes Javiah Pohe and David Halaifonua added bulk and power, and the Scots had chances to cut the lead. However, the Richmond defence remained well organised and aggressive and retained the upper hand. The Scots did manage to add one try, a well judged cross kick by fly-half Harry Sheppard providing a perfect pass for Noah Ferdinand to touch down in the corner.

The Scottish scrum-half Kerin made one clear break from a tap penalty but was stopped by Kaye, whilst Richmond’s Player of the Match Jake Caddy pulled off one vital cover tackle. Richmond had plenty of chances themselves as the game opened up and will be disappointed that they could not finish any off. One neat move saw Callum Watson put the rampaging Anyanwu clear, but he was called back by the excellent referee Nick Wood. Richmond kept concentration to the end, despite the five week lay off, and their intensity was well demonstrated by a crunching cover tackle in the final minute by Max Trimble to stop what looked a likely try for the opposing winger.

Head Coach Rob Powell said post-game: "It was just great to get back playing after five weeks without a game. Full credit to the players who have maintained their focus and applied themselves really well in training. The attitude was spot on and whilst it’s pleasing to secure a five point win we know we can perform much better, which is encouraging for the rest of the season."

Richmond are back at the Athletic Ground next Saturday against Bedford Blues (KO 3pm). Click here to book tickets.

SENIOR RICHMOND RESULTS:

• London Scottish 12 - Richmond Men 1st XV 31
• Richmond Vikings 31 - Richmond Saxons 19
• Richmond Jutes 38 - Brighton 2nd XV 0
• Richmond Heavies 39 - London Irish Vets 14
• Richmond Colts 7 - Tonbridge Juddians Colts 47
• Thurrock Ladies 29 - Richmond Women 1st XV 7

FINAL SCORE: LONDON SCOTTISH 12 - RICHMOND 31

Tries: Jared Cardew (7th min), James Hadfield (17th min), Mark Bright (22nd min), Owain James (26th min), Will Kaye (45th min)

Conversions: James Kane (7th, 17th, 26th min)

Image courtesy of Dante K Photography.