National 2 League South Opening game of the season v Hartpury College (newly promoted)
Not much is known about Hartpury College save they serve as a feeder club to Gloucester and have been promoted seven years in succession which is going it. They have a couple of past Welsh internationals in their Autumn years and a back line, fly half notwithstanding, with youth, verve and pace.
Though they were shortly behind 7-0 to the home side, Hartpury controlled most of the first half and ten minutes of the second before they ran out of steam. Whilst Richmond were poor at the lineout and struggling in the set pieces, they have a great philosophy of playing that rarer event - running rugby - and a never say die attitude and to be honest they won slightly against the grain. Had Hartpury's better players not been so selfish they could have wrapped it up by half time!
Venue: Richmond Athletic Ground
Crowd: 404
P.S. I played for the Richmond Heavies from 1983-86 (Over 35 XV) and then coached Richmond 1st XV (1986-7) to second place in what was then League Division 2. I remained a member until 1995-6 when my day job took over my life. I have just rejoined the Club. Jack, my son, is also a playing member.