Hat-trick is Cherry on top

JAMES Cherry became the first Nottingham number eight to score a hat-trick of tries for 10 years as, despite holding a commanding halftime lead, the Archers were hanging on at the end to edge past Richmond 29-27 in the Championship.

- By ROBIN GRIFFITHS

Ultimately it was a bonus point win on the day that prop Dan Richardson made his 50th appearance and hat-trick hero Cherry said: "I am absolutely thrilled, after last week's loss to Caldy, which was really disappointing.

"So to get five points in front of the crowd at The Bay, on a special night for boys like Dan, was just really great for us."

Richmond were on the board first inside the opening five minutes from a Callum Grieve penalty in a central position.

The Archers replied immediately, however, with David Williams recording his 99th Nottingham try when he crossed on the right. Gwyn Parks converted.

Moments later Richmond got another penalty in an identical position to the first and once again went for the posts. Grieve, who was perfect from the tee all evening, brought his side within a point.

The pendulum then swung back the home side's way as, playing with advantage, Parks put an audacious grubber into the corner that Cherry did well to pounce on with the dead ball line looming.