But Richmond, back in National League rugby after a long spell away following demotion to the bottom level for financial problems, closed to 7-6 with two Matt Hart kicks as Lions showed they are still conceding far too many penalties for their own good.

The rest of the first half saw both sides create chances they couldn't complete and miss a kickable penalty each before Lions struck just before the interval, Reed feeding Ade Hales who twisted through to score, Goode's conversion giving Rugby breathing space at 14-6.

Hales added a second converted try straight after the break and Toby Handley secured the four-try bonus point, although the ball appeared to bounce loose as he touched down, for a comfortable 26-6 lead.

Lions switched off and Richmond hit back through David Burr and Luke Cousins tries, the second converted by Hart who, after a 15-minute delay when Richmond winger Neil Piggott was concussed, had a chance to grab a losing bonus point but pushed his penalty kick wide.

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