It was just the third day of 2026 and we might have seen one of the most tense, entertaining and meaningful games of year already. A one point victory for London Scottish as they saw off a late surge from Richmond to win a crucial game not only for local bragging rights and for league position in a relegation battle.
Almost 2000 packed into the RAG for what was always going to be a big day for rugby. Two league points separated the sides in the league, Scottish having broken a losing run last weekend and Richmond without a win in eight games.
The Exiles picked up the baton first and ran with it. A beautiful grubber through from Josh Bellamy which he regathered allowed the young full back to chip again into the hands of Noah Ferdinand. He was pulled down just short but following up Robbie McCallum dove for the line and picked up the opening score in the first ten minutes.
The Scots kept the pressure up after this put couldn’t get themselves over the line for more points. Held up once and a drop ball scuppered them then ill discipline crept into the Exiles games. Eight penalties in a row saw Richmond build back into the game and eventually flop over for the score from short range.
However, this sparked Scottish into life as they found field position and dominance again. Bellamy was provider once more as he put in a beautiful cross field kick for Noah Ferdinand who this time could not be stopped as he dove into the corner.
A penalty from Sean Kerr also extended the lead as the Exiles went into the sheds 17-7 up. They would serve a hammer blow just after half time with another sensational score. Tom Wilstead chipped ahead and Hayden Hyde gave chase. He got to the ball first and lobbed the full back with his knee only to regather and score under the sticks.
However, this is where the game turned, Richmond built pressure through penalties which saw London Scottish down to 14 as Bailey Ransom went to the bin in the process of a Richmond score. The game now at 24-12 to the Exiles it was game on with 15 minutes to go.
The game swung back the other way though as Richmond also went down to 14 men as Josh Bellamy was taken out late off the ball. Richmond though would score again in this period to narrow the gap to just five points.
London Scottish would hit back with a break up the middle which forced Richmond to give away a cynical penalty on the line. A yellow card ensued putting the hosts down to 13 for a short period and Josh Bellamy slotted the goal for an eight point lead.
Richmond back to 14 now fought back again with a try at the maul in the dying seconds of the game to put it within just a point.
However, a late dangerous charge from a Richmond substitute which was given a yellow card on field put an end to Richmond’s hopes of a late fightback as Scottish used their extra men advantage to see out the game and a famous 27-26 victory.
