Director of rugby Geoff Richards has admitted Richmond are desperate for a win to halt a run of four defeats in five games.

The Athletic Ground side had Tristan Wesley sent-off mid-way through the first-half as they crashed 49-17 to newly promoted Shelford to slip to ninth in the National League Two South table at the weekend.

Wesley looks set to face a period on the sidelines having been given his marching orders for a headbutt after the referee consulted with his lineman.

His dismissal only compounded the fact Richards’ men have now shipped 197 points in their last five outings and the coach reckons it is a run that must stop sooner rather than later.

“We desperately need a win at the weekend. The players know that and they must go out there and play with some desperation,” he said.

“It was extremely disappointing against Shelford. We were down by two or three tries by the time Tristan was sent off, so we were facing an uphill task anyway.

“The guys seem to have forgotten how to tackle and from my perspective the whole thing was pretty embarrassing.”

Wesley became the second Richmond man to be given a straight red card this season, following skipper Henry Head’s misdemeanour against Westcombe Park in October.

The visitors notched all their points after the second-row’s departure with Jonny Wehbe, Tim Cook and Head all crossing for what proved to be mere consolation scores.

And Richards admits his side needs to work harder defensively.

“I don’t think it will take a lot to get right. We are leaking tries and we have to make sure we rectify that,” he said.

“We actually performed pretty well up-front in the circumstances. We have to be tougher physically and mentally in defence.”

Richmond’s next three games: Dec 5 Lydney (h), 12 Barking (a), 19 Canterbury (h).