RICHMOND director of rugby Steve Hill is facing the longest injury list of his tenure but after running Old Albanians close he is certain his reserves can cut it in National Division One, writes David Jordan.

Hill’s side picked up a losing bonus point in the 15-10 defeat but saw their list of absentees extended to 11 after Paul Nash pulled up in the warm-up and Tom George hobbled off.
 

On the plus side, Jack Franklin made his first start in two years, filling in for Nash at scrum-half, while Myles Scott and Warren Abrahams both made their first appearances from the off for the club.
 

Ultimately it was not enough to convert a 10-8 half-time lead into a win, despite dominating territory into gale force winds after the break, but Hill hopes the performance will instil belief.
 

“It was a very tough game with the conditions and when we turned around for the second half the wind really picked up,” said Hill.
 

“It was unfortunate that we conceded a try just before half-time so we only had a two-point advantage playing against the wind.
 

“I was very pleased with the performance we put in during the second half though and to dominate possession and territory like we did was impressive.
 

“It was just a shame we couldn’t get the win that perhaps we deserved. In the end Old Albanians were hanging on a bit.
 

“We’re being stretched because we now have 11 first-choice players unavailable and that is the worst I have known it since I have been here.
 

“It seems to come in cycles, we did quite well with injuries last year but this year we have had a lot. The plus side is that it gives other players a chance to perform and Myles and Warren were two of our best players at the weekend.”
 

Louis Grimoldby kicked a penalty and converted Jeremy Cunnew’s try to put Richmond 10-3 up against Old Albanians only for tries from Lawrence Rayner and Stef Liebenberg to turn the tide the other way.
 

Next up for Richmond is the visit of Wharfedale, who have won their last three games on the spin, and Hill admits his side will have to pay close attention to a former England wing among their ranks.
 

“They’ve been going very well recently so we know it will be another tough game,” added Hill.

“They brought in Dan Scarborough and it looks to have given everyone there a lift and they have recruited heavily.
 

“We will continue to work hard and I’m sure if we put in another performance like we did in the second half then we will be OK.”
 

*SSE, proud sponsor of the National and Divisional Leagues, has £10,000 of SSE Energy Credits available for clubs to win. To find out how go to SSERugby.com