On Saturday the Mitres travelled down to Richmond Jutes, which we knew would be a difficult game as our opponents had recently had two big wins under their belts, this would be a game that the Mitres would have to play well if they were to bring a win back to Silver Leys. After a hectic journey down, warm up time was limited, Max Hammond got hold of his troops and told his team that this was a game where everyone would need to stand up and be counted, if they wanted to win and beat a strong side like Richmond.

Richmond kicked off the match, from right to left having the wind behind them and they certainly wanted to use this to their advantage. The Mitres were ready for this challenge and showed very early on in defence and attack that they were up for this and would not allow their opponents any breathing space. The first 10 minutes saw both teams looking to play open rugby and really show off their skills in attack. Both teams made some great breaks but also each team proving difficult to beat in defence. It was the Mitres that managed to score the first try of the game with some fantastic defence and line speed being shown. This really put pressure on the opponents, from this James Orbart managed to charge down his opposite man’s kick clearance and from a great charge down, he managed to keep composed and use his David Beckham football skills to get over the line and put the Mitres ahead. Sadly Orbart was unable to add the extra two points meaning this left the score at 5-0 to the Mitres.

After the Mitres scoring the first try of the game, they looked more composed and settled in the game, this really showed in the Mitres attack with some great breaks from both forwards and backs from Etherington, Readshaw, Hector and Lowbridge proving tough to handle for our opponents. However the Mitres had to also deal with some early injuries in the game, Orbart sadly had to leave the field with a neck injury and Garwood not feeling 100% after a knock. So this meant early introductions for Nick Clayton and some bearded warrior called Steven Hearn coming on in the front row. This was Steve’s first game in almost 9 months after snapping his achilles and it was good to see him running (kind of) about the field and showing his leadership skills which certainly helped the Mitres. The substitutions certainly were up for the challenge and the Mitres were really applied heavy pressure on their opponents and it wasn’t long before the Mitres added the second try of the game with some great play from both forwards and backs. A slick lineout from the forwards and fantastic link up play in the backs by Brendan and Lowbridge allowed Lowbridge to crash over the line for the second try of the game. Brendan took over the kicking duties and managed to add the extra two points putting the Mitres 12-0 in front.

With the Mitres pack really getting on the front foot with some big carries lead by Radley, Walsh and Readshaw. The Mitres dominated their opponents in the set piece especially at the scrum and it wasn’t long before the Mitres added to the score board again. Another well worked lineout, then saw the Mitres pack set up a rolling maul and marched over the Richmond line for Etherington to score the third try of the game. This was a great try for the forwards and led well by M Oliver, Hearn and Prime. Brendan managed to slot the conversion from out wide on the right hand touchline putting the Mitres 19-0 and in a great position before half time. Richmond were certainly not enjoying this score line and would want to make a statement before half time. In the last 10 minutes of the half, Richmond showed why they are tough team to beat, sending heavy runners down the Mitres channels and creating gaps and making the Mitres work very hard in defence. The Mitres showed some great defence managing to hold up the Richmond pack, where they had got over the line but being held up by some great Mitres defence, this being led by Walsh, Readshaw and Hector. Sadly However Richmond managed to bundle their way over the Mitres line and this took the half time score to 19-7, this meant the match was poised well for the second half.

After a stimulating team talk at half time, led by Max Hammond, the second half got underway with the mitres looked to push on and really try to grind down their opponents. The mitres again in attack were really looking threatening with some terrific breaks led by Readshaw, Hector and King. The way the Mitres had started it was clear they wanted that first score on the board and really damage Richmond’s momentum and making sure they had no way back in the game. Within the first 10 minutes of the second half the Mitres managed to score a delightful try with forwards and backs linking up well with some terrific lines particularly from Etherington and Radley putting the Mitres on the front foot, this allowed scrum half Hector to show his sniping skills and slice through the Richmond defence to score the first try of the second half. Brendan managed to add the extra two points putting the Mitres 26-7 up early into the second half. However the Mitres knew that Richmond were once again going to up their game and certainly did by replying with a converted try of their own, with some good work by the Richmond pack, this allowed their backs some space and they took full advantage of their opportunity. They missed their conversion taking the game to 26-12. Our opponents knew that it was a big moment in the game for them and really gave them confidence and were now looking to try and upset the Mitres day.

The Mitres knew now, they would really have to work hard to contain a Richmond side that were starting to believe they could win this game. The mitres regrouped well and did not let this phase them, by playing some great open rugby but importantly doing the simples things well which was getting on the front foot. Once again the Mitres broke free and took the game by the scruff of the neck and knew that another try was coming. The Mitres attacks started to come in waves and they managed to add another try to the scoreboard with Clayton running hard lines and just being held up short of the line. However Teddy King was on hand to dive over the line for the Mitres making the score line 31-12.

However the Mitres saved the best try for last, with both forwards and backs linking up well again and really getting over the game line, a great individual break by Radley showing a good turn of pace and with great support and some quick hands. This then put Hector in for his second try of the game. Brendan managed to add the extra two points putting the Mitres 38-12 up with 5 minutes left of the game. The Mitres were very unlucky not to get over the try line again as the pack were making great yards and really tiring the Richmond defence, Hector went agonisingly close to getting his hat trick by sniping around the ruck and darting through the defence but sadly was unable to convert as the referee did not feel the ball was grounded properly. It was great play from the Mitres and even to the end they were always threatening to get over the opponents try line. However credit to Richmond they never gave up and certainly wanted the last say of the game and they managed to do this by taking their opportunity well and managing to break through the Mitres defence to score the final try of the game taking the final score to 38-19 to the Mitres.

Man of the match was a tough decision as there were a lot of strong performances and could have gone to a number of people and it was a great team performance. Special Mentions must go to Readshaw, Prime, Walsh and Hearn in the forwards and Brendan, Jack Lowbridge and Nick Lahey (playing in his first game for the Mitres) in the backs. However there can only be one man of the match and this went to Hector, he was everywhere and really covered the ground well in attack and defence with some important yards being made and also some fantastic defending and was very unlucky not to grab himself a hat trick.

Next week the Mitres are at home to London Cornish, where the Mitres will be looking to make four league wins!!

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