Richmond's revival came unstuck at promotion-chasing Ealing on Saturday when they lost 40-14. Ealing's huge front five took control and the home side gained a 13-0 lead with a penalty and two unconverted tries in the first 30 minutes.

Two more tries from the elusive Kene Ejikeme resulted in a half-time score of 27-0 and left no room for a recovery by a below strength Richmond.

Richmond actually won' the second-half 14 points to 13, but had to make do with scraps of possession.

They brought on Paul Wilson to compete more physically with the Ealing pack and Joe Goatley to provide much needed expertise with the line-kicking. But with Rupert Allhusen picking up a shoulder injury and Paul Wilson a yellow card, the Ealing pack remained firmly in charge.

Richmond's two tries, both converted by Matt Hart, came from Owen Gregory, who supported a Seb Berti break, and Joe Goatley with a mazy solo run. Scrum-half James Cooper, formerly with Rugby Lions, made a fine first team debut.

Ealing still dropped to third place due to Worthing's amazing 146-0 win over Guildford.

Richmond hope to bounce back in their next game against London Scottish on March 31. Richmond: Hart (capt), Ajuwa, Drewe, Maclennan, Piggot (Goatley), Berti, Cooper, Allhusen (Nuttall), Gaskell, Gregory, Williams (Wilson), Farmer, Bucknall, van Schalkwyk, Barlow.