National League One: Richmond 55 Wharfedale 12

DEFENSIVE bravery was not enough for Wharfedale on a cold and breezy day at second-placed Richmond that was perfect for running rugby.

Both sides spilled plenty of ball in the early exchanges before the Greens, bidding to avoid a sixth successive league defeat, took the lead in the eighth minute after a high tackle was penalised.

The visitors retained possession from the subsequent line-out and, after several phases and a tap penalty, Max Labasse went over for a well-worked try in the corner, Harry Skelton missing the difficult conversion.

Four minutes later, the Londoners gained a penalty and, from the five-metre line-out, Jack Alcock touched down for a try, Rob Kirby converting to make it 7-5.

In the 19th minute, however, Wharfedale were back in front, centre Cameron Hudson making an excellent break after a fine passage of play, quick recycling following for winger Dan Tai to score in the corner, Skelton's fine conversion putting the Greens 12-7 ahead.

Richmond then started to exert more control and dominate possession, Kirby adding a penalty to put them only two points behind.

However, it was in the last ten minutes of the half that Richmond made their supremacy count, scoring tries through Chris Davies (in his 150th game) and Callum Grant, Kirby converting one to make the interval score 22-12.

Buoyed by that ten-point lead, Richmond started the second half with great pace and tempo, and by the 45th minute had increased their lead to 36-12 through tries from Will Warden and Rory Damant, Kirby converting both scores.

Wharfedale found it difficult to break out of their own half when they weren't on defensive duty, and the pressure finally told, further tries coming for Damant, Sam Stuart and Adam Gadsby, two being converted by Kirby to make the final score 55-12