Blackheath 12  Richmond 41

Richmond’s first of two pre-season friendlies was played in good spirit but very windy conditions at Well Hall, the new home of Blackheath; both sides fielding a number of new signings, writes Paul Kirby.

After Richmond’s training camp last weekend at Brighton University, it was important to translate some new moves against their old adversaries.

The first half was a tight affair; Blackheath took the lead on 23 minutes through Joe Tarrant.

Then Luc Jones found a gaping hole following some untidy line-out ball before Richmond shrugged off the loss of having a man sin-binned as left-wing Ben Rath produced a second score to give the visitors a seven point lead, 5 – 12 at the break.

The second half saw a dramatic change. The greater strength of Richmond’s Championship side took charge as their stronger pack drove former Club back-row Jesse Liston across, followed by tight-head Jake Parker.

An interception try from Blackheath’s Jake Lloyd briefly narrowed the deficit before further tries for Richmond from second-row Harrison Edwards, right-wing John Woodward and full-back Rob Kirby put the visitors out of sight, making the final score 12 – 41.

This Saturday, Richmond entertain Premiership Club London Irish, before the season starts in earnest the following week with a first Championship League match home to Bedford.