Both sides came out of the blocks fast with a clear intention to play but despite this, it took until the 18th minute for the first score of the game. Rob Kirby spotted an overlap on the short side and fired a flat pass that released Alex Goble. The winger expertly slowed down so that Jones could catch up with him, before drawing the last defender and then giving the scrum-half the perfect anniversary present as he dotted down on the occasion of his 50th cap for the club.

Coventry answered straight back however, with a forward dominated try which eventually saw Ryan Burrows crashed over from close range after taking a quick tap penalty.

What came next was very very special as Hosking responded quickly for Richmond, but not in a way you would expect from a secon- row. The lock picked a superb running line which saw him burst through the defence before side stepping one and then powering through another before stretching out and placing the ball on the line.

As the sun glared down, the game became even looser and it was soon Coventry’s turn to regain the lead as a small gap on the fringes of the ruck was exploited before going through the hands allowing Louis Brown to cross the whitewash.

As the half-time whistle beckoned, Coventry went in search of one final try. They moved the ball quickly from side to side, bamboozling the Richmond defence and eventually creating a clear overlap which allowed Peters to jog over and make it 12-21 at the break.

The second half began as rapidly as the first and again Richmond got the initial score. A powerful rolling maul brought the hosts within 5 metres of the Coventry line, before Jones tried sneak over around the fringes. Coventry attempted to engineer a choke tackle but the Richmond pack drove him forwards and as the makeshift maul went to ground somehow the scrum-half managed to dot down for his second.

Coventry responded within minutes, setting up a far more conventional rolling maul try which saw captain Burrows also bag a brace.

A Kirby penalty brought Richmond back within a score of the visitors but an error from the restart gave Coventry another opportunity to release their rolling maul. Despite stopping the initial drive, Luc Jeannot broke away and powered over for Coventry’s fifth and then Josh Barton crossed after a free-flowing move for the final score of the game eight minutes from time.

Although Richmond failed to get the victory, it was another strong performance, and it was refreshing to see a packed crowd, enjoying their first taste of live rugby at the Athletic Ground in 455 days.

The Richmond Player of the Match, sponsored by Jen Gadsby Peet was awarded to powerful flanker Toby Saysell.

FINAL SCORE: RICHMOND 22 - COVENTRY 42

Richmond 22
Tries: Luc Jones (18th, 47th min), Freddie Hosking (26th min)
Conversions: Rob Kirby (26th, 47th min)
Penalties: Rob Kirby (61st min)

Coventry 42

The full in-depth match report from Tim Forrester to follow…

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