A proud Richmond side defied all the odds to push Ealing Trailfinders all the way in a tight Championship game. The half-time score of 17-0 was hard earned and deserved, although it was always likely that the league leaders would have too much firepower in the end. Ealing are arming themselves for Premiership action, but could find no way through the home defence for long stretches of the game. The only frustration was that Richmond did not collect the one or two league points they thoroughly deserved.

Richmond fielded a largely familiar pack, Henri Williams having taken his chance to claim a starting position at lock alongside Freddie Hosking. The backs have been hard hit by injury and, on the day, were missing skipper Cam Mitchell, Will Homer, Hamish Graham and Ted Landray, as well as the fit again James Kane, who was unavailable due to his loan agreement. On the plus side, James Lennon returned at scrum-half, whilst Will Kaye was given a chance after some strong performances for the Vikings. Mark Bright was captain for the day.

With the rain clouds slowly settling in, Richmond kicked off and, this time, were quickly into their stride. Lennon was soon busy, sniping on the blindside and he set up the impressive James Hadfield, Richmond’s Player of the Match, for a bullocking run into the 22. After two minutes, Richmond got themselves back into the 22 and set up for a five metre lineout. With Hadfield throwing accurately, Hosking, Williams and Bright were secure in the lineout, and Richmond barraged the line with pick and drives, staying patient, until Huw Worthington found the power and the angle to drive over. Lewis Dennett, who had a 100% kicking record on the day, added the conversion.

Ealing looked slightly rattled, even at this early stage and were not helped by the comparative frailty of their lineout. The rapid Jordan Burns made a good break into the 22 but was caught, a turnover penalty allowing Richmond to clear. The penalty missed touch, but Jack Allcock maintained the pressure, following up fast and decisively. After Bright secured the lineout ball, Ealing were pinged in the follow up play, and Dennett kicked the penalty from close to 45 metres.

With the first scrum rock solid after 15 minutes, Richmond looked increasingly confident. However, a sequence of penalties conceded around the halfway line, now gave Ealing some momentum. Richmond were not helped by the departure of a dazed Jake Caddy, but their defence was steadfast in a fine team effort and, twice, Ealing were held up and frustrated on the Richmond line.

After 30 minutes, things improved further for Richmond. Owain James kicked deep but Ealing had time to clear. However, a laboured pass across field put the kicker under pressure, and the kick was charged down. Wiliams was first to the loose ball hacking it close to the line before securing possession. Ealing flooded back but too late, as Worthington drove over for his second try, converted by Dennett. There was a hum in the crowed, and Ealing were under pressure.

The score remained unchanged at half-time. If Richmond could hold out for 15 minutes or even extend the lead, it could get interesting. But Ealing had had a chance to regroup and got the early try they needed after five minutes. Richmond over-ran a backs move and Ealing had a lineout on the 22. This time, their routine was spot on, and they were clinical as they battered their Richmond defensive line, until Cian Kelleher finally forced his way over.

Now under extra pressure, Richmond made a mess of clearing an innocuous kick ahead. Will Kaye got man and ball as a result, and the inevitable penalty followed for not releasing. The Trailfinders drove imperiously from the lineout, and hooker Jan Campher claimed the score, converted by David Johnston.

Richmond still had their moments and the game always remained in the balance, though momentum had shifted. Twice the backs worked space, Lennox Anyanwu prominent, and Max Trimble made a decent job of trying to beat the cover. Once, the locks took advantage of a loose ball to kick ahead to the line, but Ealing just got there first.

Ealing’s third try was a familiar one. Burns nipped away from a set scrum on the blindside and drew a defender before sending in Luke Daniels, who had the sense to slide into the corner. Johnston’s excellent touch line conversion gave his side the lead.

Somehow, Ealing had scored four tries in 18minutes, but Richmond stayed focused and deserved the next try. The excellent Lennon kicked another steepler and Ealing could only knock it back into the arms of the alert Dennett, who scampered in from 30 metres and converted the try to bring the scores close at 24-26.

Could they? Not quite. For once, the lineout, which had been a tower of strength, malfunctioned, and Bobby De Wee secured prime attacking ball. In a flash, the speeding Simon Uzokwe was running like an arrow towards the posts. He was caught a metre short and at one moment, Richmond appeared to have the ball, before there was an arm wrestle. The referee Joe Joyce consulted one of his linesmen as everybody waited. Try. It was not clear whether try was scored by Uzokwe at the end of his run or by Max Bodily in the follow up. It made no difference as Johnston converted to take his side nine points ahead.

Ealing had a high-class bench, but Richmond had tremendous spirit and stuck to the task. In the final minutes, they had a long distance penalty. It was within range but tricky. After consultation, Bright opted for the attacking option and the chance of a couple of points. 15 metres out, Richmond had a final chance. The reliable Hosking seized the lineout ball, but possession was lost in the follow up and Ealing booted clear. Ealing had the points, but Richmond should take huge heart and pride from a memorable performance.

Richmond are back at the Athletic Ground next Saturday for a Christmas Cracker against Cornish Pirates (KO 3pm). Click here to purchase match tickets.

OTHER RICHMOND RESULTS:

Maidenhead 2nd XV 7 - Richmond Normans 84
Farnham 2nd XV 0 - Richmond Jutes 21
Reading Abbey Ladies 12 - Richmond Women 1st XV 0
Wasps 24 - Richmond Colts 10

FINAL SCORE: RICHMOND 24 - EALING 33

Tries: Huw Worthington 2 (5th min, 33rd min), Lewis Dennett (65th min)
Conversions: Lewis Dennett (5th min, 33rd min, 65th min)
Penalties: Lewis Dennett (12th min)

Image courtesy of Dante K Photography.