It is fair to say a river has run through fly half Rob Kirby’s rugby career for much of 2013, and director of rugby Steve Hill is more than happy to have seen him move up stream this year.
 

The former Esher man swapped Southend-on-Sea for Richmond-upon-Thames over the summer and delivered his second man of the match performance in as many weeks on Saturday to lead his side to a 55-20 win over Cinderford.
 

Full back Kirby, who scored a try and kicked 13 points at the weekend, was pressed forward into the number 10 shirt two weeks ago after Harlequins loanee Louis Grimoldby was recalled to the injury-hit  Stoop outfit.
 

And he has repaid his boss’s faith to help secure wins over Coventry and Saturday’s visitors.
 

“Rob is a very confident player, who challenges the defensive line,” said Hill.
 

“I’ve only seen him play fly half twice and he has done very well.
 

“The jury is out on which his best position is, but he is certainly a threat with ball in hand.
 

“He spent three months playing for Southend last season.
 

“Understandably, he got a little fed up of the journey and I think he has come here and is enjoying his rugby again.”
 

Winger James Greenwood’s second half hat-trick added to Kirby’s effort and further scores from  Sam Reynolds, Greg Drew and Jamie Falconer as Richmond cruised to victory having only led 17-13 at the break.
 

But Hill knows his men will face a sterner test when Doncaster Knights visit the Athletic Ground tomorrow.
 

“We played London Scottish in pre-season last year when they were semi-pro and lost that game by five tries to three,” he added.
 

“We played them this summer, now they are full time, and they put 40 points on us.
 

“Doncaster are full-time. It will be a huge challenge, but everyone wants to test themselves against the best.”