Richmond spirit strong as Hill's men move clear (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Richmond spirit strong as Hill's men move clear

12:00pm Friday 16th December 2011 in Richmond RFC By Nick Gentry

Richmond stretched their lead at the top of the National Two South league table to five points after a 26-17 win away at Southend.

A penalty try and further scores from Tom Platt and Tom Gregory saw director of rugby Steve Hill’s men home in Essex.

And the Athletic Ground chief could not have been more delight with the performance, in what was an intense physical battle.

“This was a really physical encounter and I am really happy with the five points earned,” he said.

“I was pleased with the patience and belief we showed.

“Our scrum was magnificent and really put Southend under pressure throughout the game.

“John Chance had a cracking game in the row whilst Greg Sullivan looked really dangerous with ball in hand.”

Richmond were further boosted by defeats for second and third-placed Worthing and Henley.

They now turn their attention to the big derby game against local rivals Barnes tonight.

Barnes are struggling at the foot of the table, having won just three games all season, but Hill is anticipating another tough test before his side finally get a well-earned rest over Christmas.

The Richmond boss insisted: “Friday will be a ding-dong battle against Barnes and then finally we all get a couple of weeks off.

“The break cannot come quickly enough.”