Richmond’s decisive Friday night victory over Rams had left them fifteen points ahead of Rotherham Titans, who had three games left. The Titans’ subsequent loss to Blackheath removed their mathematically slim remaining chance. Similarly, even if all other results were to go in their favour, second placed Rosslyn Park cannot match Richmond’s win and loss ratio in the unlikely event that the two teams are tied.

With two games still to play, Richmond have done it convincingly and done it in style. Just two losses in 24 games is remarkable, as is the 810 points scored, an average of 33 points per game. In defence, the record is even better, with 459 points conceded, an average of 19 points per game.

However, aside from the stats, the quality and style of play has steadily built throughout a long season and, as in recent games, some of the rugby they played against Rams was breathtaking in its ambition and accuracy. The coaching and playing team have delivered more than anybody could have dared anticipate back in September.

There was plenty of tension before the game as a big crown congregated to see a match which had always looked crucial to final league positions. Rams led the table for most of the first half of the season and had just beaten Rotherham so were keen for another top scalp. Richmond, for their part, did not want the title decided in the final two games.

Richmond fielded a familiar team, bolstered by the availability of back row forward Lucas Schmid. Lima Savainnaea, an important presence in recent weeks, was a late injury withdrawal but was replaced by Paddy Case given the chance of a welcome return after a long injury spell.

On a perfect spring evening, Rams got exactly the start they wanted. Awarded a midfield penalty in the second minute, Rams kicked for the corner and, five metres out, the well-practiced pack drove over with precision. Prop James Baker was the scorer with his 49TH first team score. Frazer Honey added the conversion on a night when both he and Callum Grieve kicked beautifully.

Seven points ahead after three minutes, Rams had made a clear statement. However, Richmond looked pumped up for the challenge, going into the collisions with real physical intensity. Under pressure around their ten metre line, Rams conceded a penalty and Richmond set up close to the posts. Rams held the initial drive, but the home forwards picked and drove and stayed patient before Jimmy Litchfield forced his way over. Callum Grieve added the first of six successive conversions.

When Richmond were pinged at a scrum near their 22, you might have expected Rams to kick for the corner again. Instead, they opted for the safe option, Honey converting a straightforward chance to restore Rams’ lead. However, Richmond were now looking in increasing control as the two packs fought it out. Rams got an early scrum penalty, but the Richmond front row battled effectively to ensure no real advantage was conceded.

At the line outs, Richmond did have advantage, with Jake Monson outstanding as ever, well supported by George Nugent, Lucas Schmid, Ethan Benson and Sam Pim. In the loose, Richmond used their big forwards to punch holes in the Rams’ defence or at least draw in more than one defender. Gradually, it took its toll.

Richmond added their second try after fifteen minutes and then their third just before the half hour from more short range line out drives. Both were completed by hooker Will Goffey. Richmond now looked in full command, though the Rams backs always looked dangerous if given any space.

Just before half time, Richmond added their fourth try, scored by the outstanding Schmid who was in the right place to follow up a strong charge into the 22 by Monson. This fourth try bonus point certainly lifted morale, with the half time score a convincing 28-10.

In the second half, Richmond started to find more space as the hard working Rams defence tired. Backs and forwards worked together to play some lovely open rugby, keeping the ball alive and at times exchanging some expansive passes closer to the Harlem Globetrotters than traditional rugby. The fifth try was the second for Schmid but was created by the impressive Grieve, who stepped one charging defender before improvising the most subtle of passes.

With the crowd in loud support, Richmond continued to swing the ball around. Rams clung on and stopped one sweeping move just short, but Richmond stayed patient and Schmid again claimed the touch down for his hat trick, squeezing over in the corner after more dazzling movement into the 22.

With the benches now being emptied and legs tiring from the fast and furious pace of the game, more space opened up for both sides. Finally, the Rams, who battled wholeheartedly to the end, got reward for their persistence. Rams built pressure from a line out on the 22 and moved the ball across the posts till winger Jack Rampton completed the move in the right hand corner. It was Rams’ second try and took the score to 42-17.

However, Richmond were not quite finished and next it was the turn of the excellent Sam Dardis. The centre was put through a gap in the Rams defence and made a searing thirty metre break before stopping, turning and slipping a pass with a flip of the wrist to the supporting Xavier Hastings. The flanker, injured at the end of last season, has worked hard to get back in the squad and deserved his moment. For the only time, Grieve’s conversion missed but it did so after thumping the crossbar and bouncing out.

With the job well done and thoughts turning to the bar, Rams had one final word. Once again, the backs fashioned some space out on the right and this time it was the turn of substitute scrum half Ollie Hodgson to claim the touch down. The celebrations began but, with the title now decided, more can be expected at the final home game of the season against Blackheath on April 26.

Rams Head of rugby Seb Reynolds was generous in his comments: ‘It was a great game against a quality side. I thought Richmond thoroughly deserved it. I know they still need a point, but they are likely to do that, and I thoroughly congratulate them on an impressive, impressive season. It was a great occasion too.

When approached by Rob Powell at the start of the season to play this game under lights on a Friday night, we were in full agreement and nearly snapped his arm off for it. I thought Richmond were outstanding tonight, keeping the ball alive. I was really pleased with our lads too. We had a good start to the game and felt we were in it. But the game got away from us a little. I am proud of the way the guys stuck at it and got the final score of the game too’.

Team: Kitson, O’Meara, Dardis, Case, Addams, Grieve, Schwarz, Freeman, Goffey, Litchfield, Monson, Nugent, Benson, Schmid, Pim
Subs: Post, Murray, Hastings, Marsh, Dennett.

Tries: Litchfield, Goffey (2), Schmid (3), Hastings
Conversions: Grieve (6)