Rugby Lions scored two tries in each half to secure a five point victory over newly promoted Richmond on a lovely September afternoon at Webb Ellis Road. Although the visitors had more than their fair share of possession, they rarely threatened Lion’s try line, and the home backs looked much more incisive.

Rugby opened their account in the third minute following a break from their own five-metre line.

Brady and Handley broke from the base of the scrum and released Riding who reached halfway in typical fashion. The ball was quickly moved left where Moir and Rust interchanged to allow Reed over for a lovely try, converted by Goode via the inside of the far post.

The deficit was soon reduced to one point however, by two penalty goals from visiting fullback Hart. On the stroke of half time, following a long period of pressure from the home side, Ade Hales was on hand to finish off another flowing back’s move.

Six minutes into the second half, Phil Reed make a break through the centre, and Ade Hales was in support for his second try of the afternoon to extend the lead to 21-6. That man Reed picked up a loose ball on half way and set off down the right flank. Stuart Riding took it on in the wing position before committing two defenders and slipping the ball inside to Toby Handley for the important bonus point try. This time Matt Goode pushed the conversion attempt wide of the posts.

Richmond soon hit back with a forward’s try from a close-in lineout after Rugby were adjudged to be have been offside. Hart missed the conversion from the touch-line. A run down the right flank from Hales resulted in a ruck one metre from Richmond’s try line, but progress was halted when a visiting forward came in at the side and killed the ball. The penalty was awarded and the culprit can count himself very lucky that a card was not produced.

Generally Rugby’s defence was more solid than in the two previous games this season, but poor tackling in midfield allowed Richmond’s Cousins to stroll through and touch down for a converted try with 70 minutes on the clock.

The visitors were hogging possession at this stage with Rugby seemingly unable to secure any ball, especially at the lineout.

A lengthy delay then ensued following a serious looking injury to Richmond’s Piggot. An ambulance was summoned and the stricken player was taken off to hospital. We wish him a speedy recovery.