Director of rugby Steve Hill bemoaned Richmond’s lack of precision as they lost at home to title-hopefuls Esher – despite scoring four tries.

Matthew Kelville, William Warden, James Doherty and Rob Alexander all got on the scoresheet but could not prevent a 28-22 home defeat to kick off their National Division One campaign.

It meant Richmond newboy Rob Kirby went home disappointed as Spencer Sutherland sealed the points with a late score for the visitors – who had three players yellow carded during the course of the game.

“It’s frustrating, because we played some really good rugby at times, but our lack of precision kept them in the game,” said Hill “I think the team that made the least mistakes won. I applaud our ambition, we’re always going to try and play rugby at home.

“It might be hard with it being the first game of the season, but that’s a game we could have won.

“Chances went begging whether it was missed tries or kicks which didn’t go over, so it’s frustrating.”

He added: “I told the guys I can’t fault their effort as we were in it right until the end, but it is frustrating we couldn’t turn that good work into a result.”

Richmond make the short trip to Rosslyn Park tomorrow, with Hill expecting a response from his men.

“We face a huge challenge at Rosslyn Park and the players are determined to show improvement,” he added.

l Ex-Richmond back rower Guy Thompson made his Premiership debut for London Wasps on Saturday after a summer move from Championship side Jersey.