Richmond’s late burst can’t catch Nottingham

By TIMOTHY FORRESTER

Richmond …….. 17pts

Tries: Massey 18, Bright 78, Griffin 80

Conversions: Johnston 19

Nottingham…..28pts

Tries: Neville 24, Stronge 31, Williams 36, J Olowefela 46

Conversions: Holingsworth 25, 32, 37, 47

TWO late tries for Richmond were not enough to turn around a game decided by three Nottingham tries in 12 first half minutes. Both sides started the game short of confidence and played cautiously for most of the first quarter. Richmond opened the scoring after a break by Ethan Benson. When supporting winger Alex O'Meara was stopped, David Massey timed his drive to get the touch down.

Richmond now looked more confident but overstretched themselves with two wild passes which gifted Nottingham turnover ball. Sam Hollingsworth quickly took advantage before offloading to Jack Neville. Hollingsworth then kicked the first of four successful conversions.

The second try came from a scrum from which Karl Kirwan found himself in generous space. The No 8 took full advantage before offloading to scrum-half Michael Stronge to run in a soft try. Four minutes later, Nottingham extended their lead with a well worked try by David Williams. When Nottingham moved the ball left to right, Williams cut back in at pace, running at an angle to find space between the fly-half and inside centre.

Nottingham increased their lead with their fourth try six minutes into the new half. Richmond coughed up possession on the left wing. Nottingham took full advantage, moving the ball swiftly to set up a two on one on the left wing. Ryan Olowefela duly ran in the bonus point try.

In the final minutes, Richmond came to life and looked a different side. First, skipper Mark Bright powered over and then Archie Griffin followed up a forward drive to score his first club try.

Nottingham head coach Craig Hammond said: “The result is a bit of a relief after a frustrating few months. I was proud of the boys and pleased at the way we led from the front rather than chased the game. We knew Richmond could put us under the pump pretty quick as they showed with the final two tries. We stuck to our guns and our exits were good.”

Richmond's Rob Powell said: “We did some really good stuff in attack but overplayed it at times allowing Nottingham to counter. We need to be much better.”