Richmond fight back to push Ampthill all the way

ONCE again, Richmond and Ampthill fought out the closest of games, the visitors hanging on to their five points to stay in contention for the next round of the Cup.

Richmond will be content to build on a rousing second half performance as Ampthill had looked to be coasting at 19-7, but Richmond pushed them all the way despite disruption from injuries.

Ampthill head coach Paul Turner said: “At 19-7, we should have put our foot on it and secured the win. We made it difficult for ourselves but Richmond are a good side.”

After a deluge of penalties on both sides, Richmond got the first score by Luke Spring from a close-range lineout but promptly conceded a try when they threw another lineout straight to an unmarked Syd Blackmore.

Both sides coughed up possession as they tried to find gaps, Thomas Bacon looking a lively presence for Ampthill. It was an attack from deep which broke the stalemate. With his team under pressure at a scrum, Morgan Strong broke clear, well supported by Pete White who threw out a lovely long pass to winger Conor Rankin for the try.

Ampthill started the second half with their third try, well taken by the strong running Josh Skelvey, who did well to step the corner defence. Substitute Steve Kerins now lifted home spirits with a wonderful piece of scrambling to prevent a ‘certain’ fourth try. A few minutes later, Kerins was in good position to support a storming run by the outstanding

flanker come centre Dave Massey, Jake Monson finishing the move from short range. When Richmond set up under the posts, a levelling try was ruled out for a double movement and Ampthill went up the other end to score a trademark try from the lineout.

Still Richmond kept up the assault and scored their best try after Alex O’Meara got outside his man and quick hands sent Jake Caddy in under the posts. Ampthill tried to play down the clock, but Richmond had one more chance when they earned a penalty with a smart bit of jackalling but the kick to the corner was too long.

Richmond head coach Rob Powell said: “We played some outstanding rugby and were unlucky not to win. We challenged them with the tempo we played at.”