Richmond defence digs in to repel late fightback

Sharks .............. 10 Richmond ........ 15

RICHMOND dominated for the early exchanges of this rearranged match from December and managed to hold off a valiant fightback to take the spoils.

After a succession of penalties Richmond opened the scoring through the boot of Abi Chamberlain.

Sharks hit back soon after with Rianna Manson burrowing over following a catch and drive but Lisa Martin’s conversion fell just short leaving the Sharks with a two-point advantage.

The next 20 minutes saw the Sharks defend strongly in the face of some physical Richmond pressure. Abi Chamerlain was held up over the line on 30 minutes before try-scorer Manson was sin-binned for repeated infringements.

Sharks resistance was broken soon being reduced to 14, with Raijieli Laqeretabua touching down on the right wing. The conversion from out wide fell short again and the score stayed 8-5 to Richmond until the interval.

Sharks thought they had taken the lead on 38 minutes after pouncing on a loose kick behind the tryline, but after long consultation the officials ruled it was a Richmond hand who had made the final touch.

The second period began with both sides struggling to gain the upper hand. It took until the 62nd minute for the next score, with Elizabeth Povey racing under the posts after multi-phases of Richmond pressure.

Chamberlain converted to give the visitors a ten point lead with less than 20 remaining.

DMP almost hit back through Rosie Blount, but the covering Richmond defence managed to force the winger into touch. Sharks set up a grandstand finish when on 72 minutes replacement Linzi Taylor dotted down in the corner but Richmond held firm to deny the late fightback.