Richmond win battle of mauls

RONNIE McLean’s try put an end to Richmond’s fourgame winless streak in the Championship.

Joe Browning’s try for Nottingham two minutes from time ensured some late drama after a scoreless first half, but Richmond clung on and head coach Rob Powell was proud how his side dug in.

He said: “At half time we spoke about being more composed and keeping are energy up – and we went 7-0 down. It could have run away, but it didn’t and we showed a lot of character, so I am really proud of the boys tonight.”

Sam Hollingsworth’s try three minutes into the second period got Nottingham on the board but Richmond quickly responded with Mark Bright taking advantage of a mistake by Michael

Stronge, and Freddie Hosking’s try created daylight between the teams.

McLean scored with 12 minutes remaining before Browning ensured a nervy finish.

It took a much-improved second half performance from Powell’s side to pick up the victory after a scrappy first half in which the first chance to pick up points for either team came in the 27th minute – but Hollingsworth’s 35metre kick was short and wide.

Nottingham had dominated territory in the

opening half, and three minutes into the second period they got their reward. A powerful maul saw the ball distributed to David Williams who skipped through Richmond’s defence and offloaded to Hollingsworth to break the deadlock.

The fly-half added the extras from in front of the posts. The game suddenly opened up as the gaps started to appear and Richmond took advantage.

Stronge failed to control a bobbling pass that forced a turnover for Richmond and after a long period of pressure inside Nottingham’s 22, Bright bundled over the line, with James Kane converting. Richmond then showed their own strong mauling game that put Hosking over for a try but Kane clipped the post with his conversion.

Another strong maul got Richmond within metres of the line. Jack Stafford peeled off to find McLean to score the third, with Kane adding the extras.

With two minutes left, Nottingham hit back from a quick tap and go penalty which allowed Browning to add the bonus point for Nottingham but Richmond held on to claim the win leaving Powell confident with the direction in which the club is heading.

He added: “We want to look forward not backwards – they are a quality team that we have played two close games against this season.”