Richmond come up just short in quest for first point
ROTHERHAM did not have it all their own way at the Athletic Ground, far from it, but their composure and opportunism at crucial times saw them leave with their second win of the season.
After an opening weekend success against London Welsh, consecutive defeats to Doncaster and London Scottish meant the Titans were desperate for a return to winning ways and they did so with Will Thomas playing a staring role.
The full-back scored one try, created another for Will Goodwin, and kicked two penalties and a conversion.
Richmond spent most of the first half in the lead after Chris Davies went over for a try and Rob Kirby kicked a penalty - but they failed to turn possession and territory into points which almost proved costly.
After four games, the Titans have two wins and ten league points with head coach Justin Burnell satisfied at the end of the opening month.
“A win’s a win and I’m happy with that,” he told
The Rugby Paper. “You’ve got to pick up wins in this very competitive Championship and I’d take the two wins from four games in the first month.
“We took our opportunities well today to score our two tries but in all fairness to Richmond, they threw the kitchen sink at us in the first half.
“They worked really hard and I think they’ll upset some teams down here. But like I said, ten points for us in the first month is very pleasing.”
A penalty from Thomas put the Titans in front 3-0 seven minutes into the game, but he was matched by Kirby’s effort three minutes later which levelled the score.
Richmond were dominating possession and pressure eventually told when Davies went over in the corner on the back of a brilliant team effort.
More attacking waves followed but they couldn’t find a way through the Titans defence for a second time. Kirby had a shot at goal but hooked it left and Richmond paid a heavy price three minutes later when Jake Henry was sent clear down the right flank and his offload was gathered by Thomas, who raced under the posts.
The full-back converted and Rotherham went into the break leading 10-8 despite spending little time in the Richmond half.
Rotherham struck again early in the second half with a Thomas counterattack turning the Richmond defence inside out. Two covering defenders came back to stop him, but just before being tackled he kicked through for Good-
win to pick up and score.
Thomas couldn’t convert but the visitors had stretched to a seven-point lead - and Richmond’s discipline started to let them down, giving Rotherham plenty of possession and territory. The visitors eventually increased their lead through the boot of Thomas just after the hour.
Richmond desperately tried to get back within striking range but handling errors stopped them in their tracks. Will Browne came closest to scoring but a superb tackle from Titans captain Will Owen halted him five metres from the line.
Two minutes from time, Ross Jones-Davies had a shot at goal to salvage a losing bonus-point but his effort was short meaning Richmond are yet to claim a league point this season.