Richmond hold on to do double over Bedford

DESPITE a very tense final three minutes, Richmond completed a league double over Bedford, the final whistle coming with Bedford agonisingly close under the posts.

“Too many errors and dull penalties” was Bedford director of rugby Mike Rayer’s summary, but Richmond’s superiority in the scrum and lineout was a key influence.

Bedford looked more fluent in attack, but the home defence worked hard to deny them space.

In front of a good crowd, Bedford started strongly, using a penalty to get within 30m before a pacey attack down the left wing drew in defenders to clear space for Oli Newman to run in.

The influential James Kane pulled back three points from a penalty and Richmond had the territorial edge but not the attacking precision. However, they took the lead in the 28th minute, Mark Bright making it 12 tries from 12 games on the back of the driving maul.

Richmond looked to have the advantage, but it was Bedford who went in ahead at half time when they used a tap penalty and quick hands to send No. 8 Oli Stedman in for a try in the corner, well converted by Will Maisey. With the lead constantly swapping, Huw Worthington enjoyed the next score, cantering in for a try against his old club after they lost the ball running out of defence.

When Jimmy Litchfield was yellow carded two minutes later, Bedford used their numerical advantage to give Pat Tapley the chance to force his way over at the corner.

The game was finally decided in the 70th minute when Richmond set up ten metres out from a penalty, Kane’s big left boot setting up the pack. With some late help from the backs, Richmond drove over, James Hadfield the scorer. Kane’s excellent conversion from wide out provided a vital extra cushion.

Bedford threw everything at Richmond in the final minutes and almost snatched victory. Matt Worley and Louis Grimoldby looked as if they had to score but somehow the Richmond defence had the final word.

Rob Powell, Richmond’s head coach said: “I’m really relieved to get over the line. Bedford are a good team so to get the double over them is a testament to our guys’ hard work.”