Ampthill RFC produce monumental comeback to beat Richmond
Ampthill Rugby Club produced a tremendous comeback from 33-14 down to win 42-40 at Richmond in their opening Elior Champ Rugby game of the campaign on Saturday.
The visitors gave debuts to George Nugent, formerly of Richmond, as well as winger Joe Browning and full-back Elliot Gourlay, naming a much-changed side from the one that won on the final day last term against Cambridge.
The A’s had a mixed pre-season with a win over last season’s Champ winners Worcester Warriors, followed by a tricky afternoon against three-time European champions Saracens, as an end-to-end start saw the hosts take an early lead, a set of penalties gifting Richmond the territory, hooker Will Goffey going over from close range.
The Mob responded well with two scores, the first being a debut try from Browning, who spun and dotted down, Luke Davidson adding the extras. The second was a beautifully worked score as Tino Mapapalangi broke the line before stepping away from the last defender to dive under the posts, again converted by Davidson to make it 14-5.
However, the weather conditions began to worsen and a couple of dropped passes offered the hosts a way back in, Jared Cardew touching down and then Xavier Hastings, as Richmond made it 19-14 at the interval. The second period would start in similar fashion as a quick-fire brace of tries from the hosts extended their lead.
Hastings added his second straight after half-time before James Langston found a gap in the defence to score in the corner, both converted, to push their advantage to 33-14. Ampthill responded with numerous changes, as it was replacement Tayo Adegbemile who went over next, a great break from Browning ending in a close-range finish.
Richmond would add another of their own minutes later, a cross-field effort finding Josh Addams, who picked up to score. That then led to an incredible last 20-minutes, which saw the Mob score three times to complete a monumental comeback. Davidson intercepting a lofted pass to race in to score under the posts, followed by a classic from Fraser Rawlins and to top it off an 80th minute try from Harrison Dakin as the hosts were reduced to 14-men. Ampthill return to Dillingham Park this weekend when they host Nottingham Rugby.