Richmond are still not at full potential

By TIMOTHY FORRESTER

Richmond …….. 43pts

Tries: Monson 4, McMillan 19, Woollard 23, Litchfield 51, Obonna 63, Schwarz 68, O’Meara 78

Conversions: Grieve 5, 52, 64, 69

Leicester Lions ..12pts

Tries: Edwards 33, 72

Conversion: Mannion 34

IN-FORM Richmond retained their unbeaten record with a convincing seven-try triumph over Leicester Lions.

The visitors fought hard and had their share of chances within the home 22.

But the Richmond defence generally thumped them backwards with some hard-hitting tackling.

Having lost the same fixture by a single point last season, Richmond head of rugby Rob Powell was happy with the performance, commenting: “Leicester Lions are a good side and have scored a lot of points in recent games, so for us to shut them out in the way we did was very pleasing”

He added: “To score 43 points was encouraging, although I thought we left some out there. So I feel there is more to come.”

Richmond opened the scoring after three minutes, Jake Monson supporting a break by hooker Callum Torpey.

Despite conceding seven first-half penalties, Richmond dominated early possession and added a second try when quick hands moved the ball down the line for the unmarked Frank McMillan to finish.

The third try after 22 minutes followed a beautifully executed overhead kick by skipper Luc Jones. Mattias Woollard was first to the rolling ball as it slowed just over the try line.

Following a couple of early substitutions (which included a promising debut for No 8 Reuben Logan, son of Kenny), Leicester Lions had a better second quarter and deserved their opening score by winger Jack Edwards, despite a forward pass in the build-up.

Delight: Richmond’s Alex O’Meara celebrates scoring and, right, Jake Monson goes over for a try

PICTURES: Ed Boyden

The visitors were indebted to Lewis Chessum at the lineout, whilst full-back Joe Brock impressed at the back.

Richmond added their fourth try after 52 minutes, the returning Jimmy Litchfield getting the touch down after a hefty drive from the forwards.

Next, it was the backs’ turn, and the try was scored by Chidera Obonna, his fine solo effort featuring two neat steps and then some rapid acceleration.

The Lions now struggled to hold the Richmond drive and, after the pack heaved their way to the line, Alex Schwarz spotted a gap to nip over.

The Lions briefly interrupted the flow when another penalty provided territorial opportunity and Edwards did well to take a high pass and touch down in the corner.

Richmond were well on top and added a final try after some deft play by Alex O’Meara who slipped a perfect kick into the corner and got there first to claim the try. Callum Grieve rounded off proceedings with four conversions.