Richmond 19 – Blaydon 10
Despite again finishing on the wrong side of the score-line Blaydon showed great improvement, leading at half-time by 10 points to nil and they had the chances to finish it off in the second period.
Brett Connon got them off to a perfect start with a 2nd minute penalty when the home side strayed offside in front of their posts, and increased pressure soon resulted in a try. A penalty to the corner and good possession at the line-out was turned into a rolling maul and a trademark score in the corner for prop forward Sam White.
The lead was held to the interval although Richmond were guilty of failing to convert a simple penalty opportunity.
Blaydon were just as remiss early in the second period when they failed to capitalise on another line-out drive that should have brought reward.
Man-of -the-match Andy Hall, a replacement fly-half, pulled back 3 points with a penalty and then poor tackling by Blaydon let in Richmond flanker Adam Lee who escaped down the wing for a try in the corner.
Hall failed with the conversion attempt but succeeded with a ‘monster’ penalty from half-way, and rubbed salt into Blaydon’s wounds with a solo effort try after avoiding more poor tackles, and then another late penalty.
Blaydon still had time for a catch and drive but failed again and the game was gone and an encouraging performance had brought no reward.
John Brennan