The Westleigh Park pitch was very heavy before the game and continuous rain throughout the only made conditions worse, and any running rugby almost impossible.

The visitors struck first when, following a Jordan Tebbatt high tackle, they kicked to the corner. Although the initial maul was held out second row George Nugent crossed from close range. Callum Grieve converted for an early 0-7 lead.

Richmond’s lead was doubled on 15 minutes when they did manage to get their maul over the try line, finished by Alex Post. Then just 5 mins later scrum half Alex Schwarz completed a very strong first quarter for the league leaders when he found some space on the edge of the breakdown and ran through unopposed. Grieve added both conversions. (0-21).

The bonus point was wrapped up for the visitors just before half time when Miles Wakeling again scored from close range. This time Grieve was off target. (0-26).

The first half had actually been a very even affair, with both sides kicking for territory. It was Richmond's more accurate kicking and some handling errors from the Lions back three that gave the very organised and efficient Richmond pack the opportunities that they duly converted.

To their credit the Lions came out determined in the second half and completely dominated territory, pinning the league leaders back with a much better kicking game. Unfortunately a number of good opportunities went begging due to in inaccurate Lions lineout.

Finally the Lions did get a score, a maul try from Arthur Allen on 65 minutes. With Luke Bouchier off injured the kicking duties went to Joe Brock but unfortunately he pulled the conversion just wide (5-26).

A solo effort from James Stubbs, who collected his own kick to slide over in the corner, with 7 minutes left gave the Lions the slimmest of hope for a bonus point but that would be the last score of the day.

Head coach Gareth Collins commented: ''With conditions like that it's always going to be a close game and it'll come down to a few moments. Both sides had a similar amount of red zone visits but unfortunately they were just more efficient than we were. I can't fault the attitude from the boys today though, Richmond are a top side and they really stood up to them physically.''