Whilst Saracens ultimately went home with five points secured, they were given a tough game by a Richmond side, who gave nothing away and tackled their hearts out.

Richmond opened the scoring and held the lead for 25 minutes before Saracens used their forward weight, power and organisation to impose the first of three short range tries from the lineout. Whilst they were increasingly forced back into defence in the second half, Richmond kept on tackling and scrapping for the ball despite two yellow cards and ensured that their opponents did not get their bonus point until the 65th minute.

In the last season, Richmond were working their way out of National League One. By contrast, Saracens were defending their European Champions Cup, beaten in the semi-final just six months ago. The visitors were missing some of their England internationals for this game, but they still fielded a side with eight internationals in their 23, plus another ten with international U20 experience. Richmond listed their team by full-time occupation to contrast their different ethos.

The weather was dry but there was a strong cross wind which gusted, making it hard to kick down the tram lines. RFU CEO Bill Sweeney was part of the small gathering allowed to watch. Richmond got off to the better start, retaining possession for several minutes and almost working the space to send Dan Kelly clear on an overlap. Instead, they had to settle for a penalty, and Ted Landray calmed early nerves by converting from in front.

Inevitably the early collisions were not for the faint hearted and, sadly, Callum Torpey’s experience of playing against England hooker Jamie George lasted just six minutes, before he had to be replaced by Jack Musk. The Sarries’ half backs Aled Davies and Manu Vunipola were under orders to keep kicking and they did so with great accuracy. Chris Elder, at full back for Richmond, spilled the first ball but went on to play an excellent game, a very secure influence in defence and a wise head in attack. The second scrum resulted in a penalty for Saracens and Vunipola kicked deep into the 22. However, when they moved the ball back towards the posts, Myles Scott stayed low and strong at the breakdown to claim the turnover and win his team a penalty.

Richmond had more possession than Saracens in the opening quarter and Elder, Max Trimble and Luc Jones all contributed to some probing attacks. However, the Saracens defence played to their reputation and gave nothing away. Freddie Hosking and Alex Bibic were combining very well in the line out and, in the 18th minute, Hosking provided the first of three lineout steals. From the follow up play, Richmond earned a penalty just inside their opponents’ half and opted to kick for goal, but the kick always looked too long, dropping just short.

Richmond had another penalty after a break by Trimble but, in the tricky wind, missed touch. Saracens were unrelenting in reply. Once again, their tactical kicking was spot on and, when a scrum followed, referee Alex Thomas awarded Saracens a penalty. This time Vunipola opted to kick for goal, which indicated grudging respect for Richmond’s efforts. It was not a straight-forward kick in the wind, requiring a player to hold the ball still, but he made no mistake.

Five minutes later, just before the half hour, Sarries finally scored the opening try. It came from another Richmond kick down the line, which drifted into touch. From the lineout, the forwards set up a good drive to earn a penalty, which they kicked to the corner. Five metres out, the set up was well practiced. Richmond had no answer as Jamie George got the touch-down from the back of the drive. The conversion bounced on top of the posts and fell back.

Despite the score, Richmond soon returned to the attack, this time Jesse Liston battering forward. In defence, Elder and Trimble covered very calmly, clearing over half-way. At the lineout, Hosking stole another opposition ball. However, with neither side able to get through the defensive line, it was a penalty at a scrum which gave the Sarries the initial momentum. Richmond held up very well in the scrums overall, the opposition featuring two World Cup finalists, but on this occasion a knee hit the ground. When the ball was stolen back at the resultant lineout, the danger seemed to have been cleared. However, Rotimi Segun made the initial break and the all action Jackson Wray was in support to get within ten metres. Luc Jones was then yellow carded, slightly unluckily, and the visitors set up for a five metre lineout and drive from which Callum Hunter-Hill scored. This passage of play in the 38th minute opened up a sudden 12 point lead and left Richmond to get through the next ten minutes with 14 men.

For most of the ten minutes, Richmond held out really well, Tom Hodgson excellent at stand in scrum-half and the hard working Cameron Mitchell once booting turnover ball back into the opposition 22. Sarries cleared but the home defence remained staunch, unfortunately conceding a knock-on in the tackle just inside the half-way line. Sarries spotted their opportunity with Richmond a man short in the backs. Working a big blindside, the passing was short and sharp, sending the speeding Segun running clear down the touchline for a top class try.

With half an hour to go, Saracens wanted their fourth try and Richmond did all they could to stop them. The visitors now upped their game, their line speed intense and Richmond were forced back into their 22 time and time again. The tackling was heroic, Richmond Player of the Match Jack Allcock, a blur of energy as he repelled attacks. However, the penalty count was relentless. Every time Richmond appeared to clear danger, back they would be summoned for another penalty. Inevitably, another yellow card followed, Alex Bibic taking the team card.

The last 20 minutes was already going to be hard, let alone with a man short. Substitute Andy Christie claimed the fourth try, blasting his way through a couple of tired tackles before stepping the final defender. Five minutes from the end, another substitute prop Ralph Adams-Hale got the final score of the game, inevitably another drive from a short-range penalty. Saracens played to their strengths with a big, well organised pack, endless tactical kicking and ferocious line speed. It was to Richmond’s credit that the visitors could never really try anything more ambitious.

Speaking after the game, Director of Rugby Steve Hill said: "I am incredibly proud of the whole squad today. We showed a huge amount of determination and courage and went toe to toe for the full 80 minutes. Saracens will certainly know they have been in a battle. We opened the game incredibly strongly and but for an unfortunate decision would have only been five points down at half-time. We asked the team to lift their performance from last week and even against such tough opposition as Saracens, we managed to do so. The players now have a well-deserved break during which they can reflect on a very solid set of performances back in the Championship.”

The Richmond Player of the Match, voted for by the coaches and sponsored by Jen Gadsby Peet was awarded to hard-working flanker Jack Allcock.

Richmond now has a two week break before making the trip to Goldington Road on Saturday 17th April to face old rivals Bedford Blues (KO 15:00).

FINAL SCORE: RICHMOND 3 - SARACENS 32

Richmond 3
Penalties: Ted Landray (4th min)

Saracens 32
Tries: Jamie George (28th min), Callum Hunter-Hill (39th min), Rotimi Segun (47th min), Andrew Christie (66th min), Ralph Adams-Hale (75th min)
Conversions: Manu Vunipola (39th min, 75th min)
Penalties: Manu Vunipola (25th min)

Image courtesy of Dante K Photography: www.dantekphotography.com