T-Birds cut Richmond's lead at the top of the table

The second placed T-Birds needed the win to keep alive their feint hopes of a first placed finish.

And they were quickly ahead when top try scorer Sally Tuson raced through to score.

After that, T’s were hit by some controversial refereeing decisions which saw them playing 30 minutes with just 14 players in the first half after being shown three soft yellow cards.

The slippery conditions also made it tough for both teams and dropped passes with the wet ball cost the T-Birds tries and allowed the powerful Richmond scrum to dominate the set piece.

But, as half-time approached, T’s attacked from their own line and put together some fine passes with resulted in captain Mercedes Foy touching down.

The wet weather worsened at the start of the second period and Richmond scored first to get back within touching distance.

However, T-Birds remained composed and sealed their win when Fi Jordan scored her side’s third try of the afternoon.

But, unless bottom of the table Wasps can do the unexpected this weekend, Richmond will win the league and condemn the T-Birds to another year in the Championship.