Richmond director of rugby Steve Hill says his men must be more clinical if they are to secure their first win of the campaign.

Hill’s men had a try disallowed and could have been awarded a late penalty score as they opened their National Division Two South home campaign with a 26-25 defeat.

The new Athletic Ground chief is yet to taste victory in his first three games in charge following defeats at Southend and Ealing, and was in no doubt where things went wrong at the weekend.

“We had a try disallowed in the first half but, having reviewed the DVD, I can see no reason why it should have been,” he said.

“Late on we drove towards the line and their captain dived in to steal the ball illegally - but Matt Berry was sin-binned. I can only think it was for putting the boot in.

“Taunton had conceded three or four penalties in the previous minute, but as soon as we were guilty of an infringement the referee penalised us. It was a significant moment.

“It was a game we could and should have won. Unfortunately, chances went begging. We lacked patience in the scoring zone.”

A penalty-try sandwiched between scores from Peter Clarke and Guy Thompson gave Richmond the bonus point to leave them two points off the foot of the table.

Hill insists his side’s ambitions still lie at the top of the table, although only hard work will see them prevail.

“It's been a difficult start to the season for a new look side,” he added.

“But we've got no excuses. We have a strong squad and I've been impressed by the commitment of the players. We must improve our discipline and earn the right to win.”

Richmond's next three games: Sept 25 Newbury (a), Oct 2 Clifton (h), 9 Westcombe Park (a).