JACK Rampton grabbed his first Rams try, but it was not enough for the visitors as they went down 47-24 under the Friday Night Lights at champions-elect Richmond.

Things began well for the Berkshire men as a catch-and-drive line-out was finished by James Baker – the ever-green prop with his 49th first-team score – before Fraser Honey added the extras on his 50th appearance.

Richmond replied swiftly as prop Jimmy Litchfield powered over, Callum Grieve on target, but Rams regained the lead with a Honey penalty.

However, the hosts put their foot down and gained control as two converted maul tries from Will Goffey pushed them 21-10 up.

The bonus-point was added before the break as Harlequins loanee Lucas Schmid touched down, Grieve maintaining his perfect record to extend the advantage to 18 points.

Schmid doubled his tally midway through the third quarter, Grieve yet again slotting the kick, and the young flanker then completed a sensational hat-trick on the hour mark as the Londoners turned the screw.

Grieve made it six from six for 42-10, but Rams refused to give in and collected a second try of their own as Rampton crossed the whitewash.

Honey knocked over the kick, but any faint hope of an extraordinary late turnaround were dashed when Xavier Hastings scored for Richmond.

For the first time Grieve was unable to add to the try, but it mattered not for the table-toppers despite Ollie Hodgson claiming a late consolation for Rams – the scrum-half with his third try in as many games after another fine Rampton burst put his side on the front foot.

Honey banged over a third conversion, yet it was not enough to stop Richmond moving 15 points clear at the head of the standings.

Indeed, they will be promoted if second-placed Rotherham Titans, who visit Blackheath, fail to pick up a bonus-point win this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Rams’ hunt for a top-three finish continues at home to Rosslyn Park in their final home game of the season next Saturday (3pm).

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