Richmond won at Rosslyn Park for the first time since 1995 to leave director of rugby Steve Hill's men top of the National Division One table at Christmas.

A Tom Sargent brace and a try from Charlie Broughton - against his former club - plust 18 points from Rob Kirby, gave Richmond a 33-24 win at their near neighbours.

The result put them three points clear at the top of the table ahead of the festive break.

And Hill believes the pre-Christmas campaign has gone much better than expected.

"What a fabulous way to end Richmond’s most successful first half of a season for many years," he said.

"We last won at Park in the old Courage leagues in September 1995 and to be top of National One at Christmas is well ahead of where we thought we would be.

"Yet again the whole squad showed huge physicality in defence and true belief to come back from behind.

"Captain Will Warden was a massive force throughout the match whilst the goal kicking of Rob Kirby in such high pressure circumstances was faultless.

"Charlie Broughton certainly knows how to finish a try, especially sweet against his old club.

"Just as important was the whole squad, management and committee members enjoying themselves together on our annual Richmond Christmas cultural crawl last night."