Halifax 20 Richmond 19 Richmond lost by just one point in a thrilling quarter-final away to the front-runner from North One league, Halifax. The tension at the end was almost unbearable, with Halifax bravely hanging on to claim the narrow victory 20-19, writes Andy Maren.

The home side opened the scoring with a 50-metre penalty from full back Glen Strang. This was followed by two quick tries from Bob Davies and Carl Mortimer, to establish a 13-0 lead after just 20 minutes. Time after time in the early exchanges, Richmond incurred the displeasure of the referee and were pinned back to defend their own line.

After what seemed like an eternity, Richmond were finally awarded a penalty, to an ironic cheer from the large Richmond crowd. From this penalty the away side finally mounted their territorial challenge to the Halifax try line. It was now the home side's turn to endure the pressure exerted by the Richmond pack and Halifax collapsed the driven maul, resulting in a penalty try awarded under the posts, converted by Paul Harrison to take the teams into the break at 13-7.

The second half saw the Richmond pack make huge inroads towards the Halifax line with controlled, driven lineouts. Paul Harrison again put Richmond into the strike zone, where upon another driven lineout resulted in a try for captain Andy Cuthbert. This brought the score to 1312 and Richmond began to look favourites to clinch the game.

Halifax defended their line with everything they had, and to their huge credit, repelled the Richmond pack time and again. Drive after drive was thwarted inches short of a score, with Andy Cuthbert seemingly desperately unlucky not to be awarded a touchdown, after appearing under a pile of bodies, clearly over the line.

In the final moments it was the home side's chance to exert some pressure of their own. A charged-down clearance close to the Richmond line, was dived on by Gareth Lewis and converted by Glen Strang which looked to have wrapped matters up for Halifax, who now enjoyed a 2012 lead.

But Richmond were not about to give up and from the kick-off they stormed into the home territory and quickly gained possession to go straight on the offensive. Another forward drive saw Pieter Serfontein score a try that was converted by Paul Harrison, bringing the score to 2019, and leaving the crowd and players to endure a nail-biting final two minutes.

Halifax valiantly held out to claim a place in the semi final of the Powergen Intermediate Cup, whilst Richmond returned home to reflect on a performance of which they should be proud.

Richmond: Harrison, Leigh, Whiteley, Taylor, Irving, McSweeney, Taberner, Allhusen, Cuthbert, Yeldham, Wilson, Head, Phillips, Hallett, Evans.

Subs: Lodder, Bolton, Draper, Serfontein.