Nottingham Rugby suffered one of their biggest defeats of the season at the hands of Championship survival chasing Richmond on Sunday afternoon.
Tries from Jordan Coghlan and Ben Brownlie, and a penalty from Shane O’Leary were the only points Nottingham registered against Richmond’s bonus-point winning 35.
Nottingham rarely threatened Richmond on a day to forget for Fowkes’ men, who have now lost two consecutive matches in the league.
The away side asserted their dominance in the early stages, scoring a try off the back of a spell of pressure in the Nottingham 22, Kirby’s conversion gave Richmond a 0-7 lead after seven minutes.
Nottingham then enjoyed their strongest minutes of the match, winning a penalty that O’Leary neatly slotted home and scoring a try off the back of a rolling maul.
But that was the calm before the Richmond storm. The traveling side then had ten minutes of magic, scoring three tries before the turn of the half and establishing an 8-28 lead as the referee blew for half time.
Fowkes’ men had it all to do in the second half.
Unfortunately for the Green and Whites, the half began with another try from the away side, giving the hosts a mountain to climb.
Stellar defensive play from Richmond combined with Nottingham’s inability to apply any real pressure was taking its toll on the home side.
The Green and Whites found a glimmer of hope on the 55th minute when Ben Brownlie scored a try but that was the last time Nottingham would pose as a threat.
The game ended 13-35, with Nottingham humbled by a strong performance from Richmond.
The Green and Whites now face Ealing Trailfinders away next weekend and Neil Fowkes will undoubtedly demand better from his side.
Nottingham Rugby’s next home match is there final home game of the season on Friday 19 April against Jersey Reds. Tickets for the match can be purchased via the club’s ticketing website.