Yes we Cam! Fairytale finish seals bonus for leaders
Richmond ….25 Old Eltham’s 12
RICHMOND skipper Cam Mitchell scored his side’s fourth try on a milestone day to earn a bonus-point win over Old Elthamians.
On a wet and windy day, Richmond edged the pack battle whilst their defensive line seldom allowed their opponents to establish any quality territory.
The home side dominated the opening 20 minutes, hooker Ross Grimstone twice at the back of drives from closerange lineouts.
Tom White pulled one early penalty opportunity but otherwise his side had no real scoring opportunity.
However, after 26 minutes, scrum-half Ollie Claxton ran 60 metres down the touchline after a cross- kick by White drifted backwards to cause confusion in the home defence.
Energised by the score, Old Elthamians then had their best passage of play and fully earned their second score from a quicktap penalty by Richmond old boy, flanker Mike Kovacic.
Once again a swirling kick caused the initial disruption, Richmond coming offside chasing their own clearance kick.
With scrums taking an age to be set and the strong wind on the far side disrupting lineout possession, the game slowed in the third quarter, neither side able to make a decisive breakthrough.
However, after 66 minutes, Lewis Dennett used a penalty to set his team up just outside the 22. The for wards drove on before the backs neatly worked some space, Kirby sending Hamish Graham clear in to the corner.
The Richmond pack took an increasing grip on the game, another pack drive earning Kirby a straightforward penalty to give his side a two-score buffer. With the win secure, Richmond focused on adding the fourth try. A series of scrum penalties around the 22 provided the impetus and replacement scrum-half Toby Dabell made the crucial break, running wide to give Dan Kelly a run to the corner. When the winger was held, the forwards worked series of pick and drives before the ball was moved out and skipper Mitchell, playing his 100th club game, got the try.
