The 2s too strong for Richmond!
Relishing a comeback win over London rivals Belsize Park, the 2’s were determined to keep their momentum rolling and put the hammer down against whatever Richmond 4’s had to offer. Learning from their sluggish start the previous week, the warm-up was sharper, the focus dialed in, and the intent clear. A rousing team talk from a Welshman lit the fire under the squad — and it showed immediately.
From the first whistle, the Bastards came out flying. Centre Christian’s burst of pace shredded the Richmond defensive line and opened the scoring early — the first of what would be many for him that afternoon. Richmond, stung by the early blow, replied with aggression and heavy carries, particularly through their strong number 8. Their pressure took them deep into the Bastards’ 5-metre line, but after a series of crunching two-man tackles from the forwards, the defence held firm. A penalty turnover and an excellent kick to touch from Geoff flipped the field, and a slick lineout move saw Christian once again cross in the corner for another five points. The tone was set: punishing defence, ruthless attack, and a Bastard side that refused to let up. From another dominant lineout, Dylan, angered by the free healthcare he’s experienced, charged through the line with two defenders clinging on to touch down. Three tries up, the Bastards began to play with joie de vivre but a lapse in focus allowed Richmond to build phases deep in the Bastards’ half. A series of penalties and a stern yellow card warning followed, after Yarwood, a MOTM contender, allegedly ripped the ball from a grounded player. Richmond took advantage, scoring from a 5m lineout after several pick-and-go attempts. With the score at 21–7, the Bastards needed a response; and Ted delivered. A brilliant show-and-go saw him slice through the defence for a breathtaking solo try, closing the half 28–7 after Weaver’s flawless kicking from the tee.
At halftime, Nugget, managing to keep his emotions in check, praised the side’s rugged defence but reminded the boys to stick to their structure and trust the game plan. And, as against Belsize, they listened.
The second half was a clinic. The backline clicked into gear, orchestrated by Geoff’s exceptional distribution; a performance that would earn him Man of the Match. From a set-piece move off the scrum, Weaver lived up to his name, weaving through defenders to score under the posts. Moments later, the same play saw captain Thomas lead by example and claim a well-deserved five-pointer. As the game wore on, a tiring Richmond side began to crumble. Sopher finished smartly in the left-hand corner after running a superb support line. Nursey continued his excellent form, breaking tackles for two tries in the half, reinforcing his reputation as one of the first names on the team sheet. Christian completed his hat-trick — the first of the season — and Thomas doubled his own tally soon after. The forwards refused to be left out of the fun. Dylan and Harry both crashed over under the posts after powerful runs, while the front row dominated every scrum, setting the platform for much of the day’s success. A special mention goes to Will, who came off the bench with huge impact in the backrow and earned himself a starting spot for next week.
By the final whistle, the 2s had not only outscored their rivals but outmuscled and outclassed them, sending a clear message to the rest of the league: the Bastard’s mean business. Dick of the Day honours went to Weaver after a failed 40m drop-goal in attempt to build scoreboard pressure in a game that finished 81-7.
