Richmond 17 Basingstoke 8
BASINGSTOKE came away from Richmond without the two points they wanted, but suitably encouraged by their performance in frustrating hosts who anticipated a big opening day win.
Jim Dixon's young side fought for 80 minutes and didn't let Richmond dictate proceedings in a gripping London one clash that showed 'Stoke have all the elements to enjoy a good rugby season. A little fine-tuning is all that's required.
Ultimately, defeat was due to the two second-half driving maul tries inflicted by the home side, but coach and flanker Dixon was not despondent afterwards.
The Kiwi, who led by example on the pitch, said: "I'm really proud of the way the guys played, irrespective of the score. We're gutted we didn't win as we were more than capable, but we stayed positive for the whole game and never gave up.
"Richmond expected to walk over us, but didn't, which annoyed them. We got them rattled, as our defence is probably our biggest strength at the moment.
"We've still got things to work on, but there are a lot of positives we can take from the game. Our try was excellent and cut them to shreds. The team support and commitment is there and we are definitely going to give it a go this year."
As the home side, Richmond's start was typically aggressive. They were camped inside 'Stoke's 22 for 10 minutes, but resolute and strong defence kept them at bay in a very tight opening period.
However, the home side still went ahead on 14 minutes. After impressive second row Cathal Murphy won a lineout on the half-way line, and the ball was recycled, number eight Ross Evans made a surge into space and off-loaded to full-back Neil Piggot, who ran at pace down the left flank.
His opposite number, Brian Parsons, covered and was in position to tackle close to the try-line, but Piggot evaded him with a side-step inside and scored. Ben Sullivan missed the conversion.
'Stoke came within a lick of getting three points back minutes later when Parsons' penalty came back off the right-hand upright.
A mass brawl broke out on 26 minutes which ended up with Simon Appleby and Richmond's Steve Dixon being sin-binned.
Neither side was able to impose themselves in the following 10 minutes, but Richmond ended the half as they began it.
Only a tremendous tackle from Jason Luff prevented Stewart Barlow crossing over the try-line.
An early penalty - for interfering on the floor - gave 'Stoke the chance to start the second half with three points, which were claimed by the left-boot of Parsons.
On 50 minutes, Richmond again forced more sturdy 'Stoke defence, pressing with a strong driving maul.
They were held up, but after an infringe-ment saw them retain possession, and kick for a line-out they subsequently won, another driving maul enabled Paul Wilson to bundle over. Sullivan converted for 12-3.
'Stoke hit back with a superb team try on 65 minutes that showed the flair and pace of their backs. Fly-half Matt Lucas was involved twice as wonderful handling along the line eventually released Parsons, arriving at pace and collecting on the half-way line.
His burst through the Richmond ranks took him to within 15 metres, where he passed out to Carl White who scored.
Having got right back in the game, 'Stoke suffered a blow when prop Steve Hobden conceded a penalty.
Seeing as Richmond were only eight metres shy of scoring, they used the extra man to drive over, hooker James Whitfield touching down to make it 17-8 and seal victory.
'Stoke: Parsons, White, Van Jaarsveld (Rogers 43 min), Feausi, Luff, Lucas, Byett, Perkins (Lovegrove 67 min), Evans, Hobden, Wilson, Chapman (Hampson 80min), Appleby, Dixon, St Bernard.
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