Leicester Lions 22 Richmond 35

Richmond continued their steadily improving form with five away points against Leicester Lions, lifting them to third place in the National One table. After a first half, when they had to apply themselves in defence, they pulled away convincingly in a twenty minute period in the second half, running in four tries.

Missing Toby Saysell, Richmond had a reorganised back row with Jake Monson switching from lock to open side flanker. Tom Humphreys made his first start on the wing and Josh Bellamy made his first team debut starting on the bench.

In three of their four games so far, Richmond have started with an early score and this game was no different, the first try coming within the first minute. It started with a successful kick off routine before Henry Cheeseman and Jake Monson made good yards as the ball was moved out to the right and then back inside. Finally, Luke Spring was on hand to force his way over for an excellent team try, converted by Sean Kerr.

Richmond were reminded that there are no easy games in this league when Lions very nearly responded with a try from their kick off. England Under 20 winger Toby Cousins was making his debut on loan from Northampton Saints and he looked a handful, demonstrating pace and power as he ran a diagonal line before being finally tackled two or three metres short of the line. After consultation, the officials decided he had knocked on and Richmond had a chance to escape. However, Luc Jones’ kick was charged down, prolonging defensive duties.

Some reorganisation was now required as Lucas Schmid was forced off with an ankle injury, replaced by Xavier Hastings, whilst Monson switched to number six.

Alex Burrage almost set up a try with a cross kick to James Whitehouse but for most of the time Richmond had to absorb pressure from the Lions. Richmond’s kicking too often handed back possession whilst ‘pull back’ passes in the centre dropped into space.

In defence, Richmond were indebted to a hefty saving tackle from Burrage and ended the half determinedly clinging on to their seven point lead. Having missed one straightish penalty, Dan Lewis then cut the lead to 3-7 after 45 minutes, the penalty awarded after referee Ben Rayner and scrum half Jones had a different view on whether the ball was out of a scrum.

The referee is always right, but the frustration was enough to get Richmond back on the front foot. Within a minute of the penalty, Alex O’Meara fielded the ball just inside his own half and accelerated at pace outside and past two defenders before a well timed pass set Whitehouse clear to touch down wide out. Kerr added a good conversion.

Four minutes later, Richmond had a third try. Ntinga Mpiko, Ethan Benson and, inevitably the all action Monson each played a part in the build up before Jones nipped alertly over the line and Kerr took the score to 3-21. If Richmond were contemplating a bonus point try, the Lions now had other thoughts, finally getting their opening try in the 60th minute. England Under 18 centre, Charlie Myall was the scorer, showing some neat footwork as he dodged and weaved his way to the line to take the score to 10-21.

Once again, Richmond countered within the next minute and secured the precious bonus point. Max Murphy did well to secure the kick off ball with a bit of help from Monson. Spring then made sure it was a forwards’ try, making good yards before finding hooker Alex Post who provided an impressive gallop to the posts.

With victory now surely secured, Richmond added a fifth try three minutes later. Hastings provided turnover ball and Burrage kicked deep into the 22. From the line out, Murphy won possession and the forwards picked and drove convincingly until Mpiko claimed the try. Kerr maintained his 100% kicking record and his side led 10-35.

Leicester Lions redoubled efforts at this stage, courtesy of a hard working scrum and some lively backs, and were rewarded with Joe Brock and Geordie Irvine adding late tries. Right at the end, they broke again from their own 22 but were finally held out close to the line, denying them two tantalising bonus points.

Richmond Head of Rugby Rob Powell commented ‘The most important thing today was about how we played when we didn’t have the ball. After last week we asked the team to raise their standards in defence, and today we didn’t have much ball in the first half. It was therefore really pleasing that we didn’t concede a try in that period. The lads are talking about being a bit frustrated that they conceded two late tries. The fact that they were scored right at the end and the team’s reaction demonstrates the defensive desire that we need to show going forward’.

Tries: Spring, Whitehouse, Jones, Post, Mpiko
Conversions: Kerr (5)
Team: A. O’Meara, T.Humphreys, H.Cheeseman, S.Kerr, J.Whitehouse, A.Burrage, L.Jones, L.Spring, A.Post (c), J.Litchfield, C.Te Mete, M.Murphy, L.Schmid, J.Monson, E.Benson.
Subs: V.Bentley, N.Mpiko, X.Hastings, M.Marsh, J.Bellamy