RICHMOND'S new lock partnership of Will Carrick-Smith and Sam Collingridge showed early signs of potential ahead of the new season, as the hosts' strength at the set-piece allowed them to take command.
A crowd of over 500 spectators enjoyed a competitive pre-season game, involving a Richmond team comprised of 25 players going up against an Ampthill squad made up of 29.
Richmond undoubtedly had the best of the first half, dominating the lineout to ensure plenty of possession. With Ampthill struggling to get out of their half, tighthead prop Jimmy Litchfield finally turned pressure into points, driving through from one of those lineouts.
Ted Landray hit the post with that conversion but nailed the next two. First, summer recruit Mark Bright was prominent in the build-up before Landray nudged a perfect grubber to the corner for winger Max Trimble to get the touch down.
Then, three minutes later, the follow up try was a beauty as skipper Ronnie McLean ran a straight line before chipping the ball over the defence to hand the advantage for Jake Caddy to collect and power the posts.
A complete overhaul of their side at half-time revived Ampthill and they increased their share of possession to create more chances than they had managed in the opening 40.
Richmond used all their bench early but kept momentum with another excellent try following some lovely sleight of foot by scrumhalf Will Homer, which had the front row complete the move through hooker James Hadfield.
Ampthill saved their best play till the final quarter, Billie Harding the tryscorer after a well worked lineout routine. They pressed hard for a consolation try in the final ten minutes of the match but Richmond's rearguard defence held out under the pressure.
By TIM FORRESTER
