Richmond has made it three wins from three in season 2019/20 by holding onto a thrilling 20-19 win over old rivals Blackheath at Well Hall.

In what was a tough and bruising National League 1 match, the oldest club rugby fixture in the world lived up to its hype, with Steve Hill’s men securing the full four points to remain unbeaten in 2019/20.

On a beautiful afternoon in South East London, Blackheath opened the scoring in the 14th minute with wing Craig Dowsett crossing the line to score. His try was converted by Leo Fielding and Club had the early lead.

Richmond finally scored their first points of the match deep into the first half with Lewis Dennett successfully hitting a penalty goal, reducing the half-time score to 7-3.

The second half started beautifully for Richmond with scrum-half Jamie Gibbs on the end of a sensational attacking play, crossing the line to give the visitors the lead. Four minutes later and Richmond were over again, this time through replacement prop Charlie Gibbings. Dennett missed the conversion but Richmond sped out to a 15-7 lead.

Richmond rampaged further once more and in the 52nd minute, Irishman Hamish Graham collected the ball off a hard-running Gibbs to cross the line and send the visitors to a 20-7 score.

But momentum shifted quickly and with Richmond number 8 Jake Parker sent to the sin-bin, Blackheath were then awarded a penalty try to make it a six point deficit. Club continued to fight back and with Richmond scrambling in defence, centre Leo Fielding scored to make it 20-19 with seconds left on the clock. He missed the conversion and Richmond hung-on to claim a breath-taking win.

A special mention to Richmond prop Luke Green who was outstanding in first senior match, playing a full 80 minutes.

Richmond’s next fixture will see them travel north to face Hull Ionians on Saturday (KO 3pm).