Richmond will react to first defeat (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Richmond will react to first defeat

11:00am Friday 11th November 2011 in Richmond RFC

Richmond slipped to their first National Division Two South defeat of the season on Saturday, but director of rugby Steve Hill believes his side’s reaction to the result is more significant than the loss itself.

Hosts Worthing scored two break away tries on the half hour mark and they proved the difference as the Athletic Ground side went down 21-17.

Hill’s men took an early lead through a Tom Chesters try and were leading 11-7 before Worthing’s double.

Richmond cut the lead to four points with two penalties before half-time, but they couldn’t find a way back.

“I cannot fault the effort shown by our players,” said Hill.

“Our front five gave us a fantastic platform, but unfortunately we were not precise enough to take our chances.

“How we react to this first defeat will say much about us as a team and a squad.”

League leaders Richmond host Launceston on Saturday.