MATCH REPORT: RETIRING HENDERSON SCORES IN FINAL GAME

RAMS legend Ben Henderson touched down on his final appearance for the club, but a final-play score earned Richmond Saxons (3rd XV) a 29-29 draw against the Titans which all but guarantees the second team will have to settle for a runners-up finish in Division One of the Raging Bull Shield.

On a glorious day at Old Bath Road it was the club’s third highest-ever first-team league try-scorer Jak Rossiter who helped give Rams an early lead, his electric 40-metre midfield break ending with the ball spun wide for Finn Matthews to dive over on the right.

Captain Tom Humberstone lasered a magical touchline conversion through the uprights, but the visitors replied swiftly with a close-range effort which was added to by Sam Laity.

It was Henderson, the 179-cap first-teamer who enjoyed two promotions during his time at the club, who put Titans back in front, bursting through an attempted double tackle before a hop, skip and a jump got him over the line.

Humberstone was unable to add the extras meaning it was 12-7, a score-line which remained the same at half-time following a pointless second quarter.

The hosts made a perfect start to the second period, Jordan Talia burrowing over from a couple of metres out, but their opponents hit back as Anthony Fitch finished off on the left.

A second Matthews score, aided by an excellent off-load from teenager Oli Whattam, gave Titans breathing space again, Humberstone’s kick making it 24-12 and securing the try bonus-point.

Richmond refused to back down, though, and Kyle Fyvie went over on the left before Drew Humberstone’s try looked like it could finally see off the Titans’ visitors, the centre throwing a dummy before a strong hand-off saw him advance over the line.

Tom Humberstone’s conversion attempt cannoned back off the right-hand post, and his side were ultimately left to rue those missed two points as Richmond staged a late rally.

Firstly the Londoners rolled over from a maul to cut the gap to 29-22, and then right at the death, Richmond snatched a share of the spoils as Laity cut back inside to touch down to the left of the posts, the centre then slotting the conversion before handshakes were shared at the end of a compelling contest.

The draw – a second in as many weeks – leaves Titans three points behind Richmond Vikings (2nd XV) with one game remaining, the table-toppers also possessing a match in hand and set to regain a crown they have taken six times in the past eight seasons.