Quins academy fly half James Grimoldby impressed in his first start for Richmond as director of rugby Steve Hill’s men held Cinderford to a 20-20 draw in the Forest of Dean on Saturday.

Grimoldby kicked 10 points to add to tries from James Greenwood and Chris Davies to give Richmond a 20-13 advantage at half-time.

But three second-half yellow cards, which had Hill’s forced to play with men reduced to 13-men at one stage, cost them dear but the Athletic Ground chief, whose men host Cambridge tomorrow, was none the less delighted.

He said: “To come to Cinderford who stood third in the table, play on a soaking pitch and them be ecstatic with gaining a last minute draw shows how far we have improved this season.

"To have 16 points after six matches, with three of those games against three of the top six teams in the league is a solid start.”