First, a reminder of what occurred to see this club battling for another promotion spot. Given their promotion in the 2021-2022 season, high expectations were placed on Esher’s shoulders to make a noticeable impact in a league where many believe they belong. They quickly realised that high spirits and solid recruitment weren’t going to be enough to compete at that level.

After a notable loss to Rams in round one of the competition, Esher went on to a run of 9 straight loses entering round 10 with not a single victory. After this colossal setback a mixture of results kept them in contention, but after such a poor start to the league there was little that could be done to save the club from relegation.

A number of significant factors were present in Esher’s unfortunate endeavours. The challenges started when a vast amount injuries struck the club at the start of the season, laying waste to a number of influential players in the starting line-up. This had a consequential impact on some of the results. Although recruitment was a particular area of focus in the pre season stint, securing players from premiership clubs on a loan it clearly wasn’t sufficient enough. Additionally, many of the teams that Esher came across were well equipped, well established and very well coached and within many areas demonstrated their experience and professional quality against Esher who in some cases appeared as rookies in comparison. Teams such as Sale FC and Cambridge beating Esher by 30+ points difference proved this to be the case.

Overall, the damage was primarily down to a run of 9 straight losses where certain injuries led to poor performances that lacked a lot of clarity and the team looked extremely out of place.

Before the action begins it is crucial to understand that Esher harnessed the disappointment form the previous mistakes and losses and have taken all the necessary precautions to ensure they have the best chances of resurrecting their full potential. This included the rehabilitation of injured players to guarantee a fully fit and functioning squad was able to take the field by the start of the season.

Also how the managing staff wanted to approach their attacking style of play to be significantly more fluent engaging in a more offload based DNA which was highlighted in one of their training sessions

Upon arrival it was clear to see the level of passion from the supporters – as a deafening, chanting crowd took to the stands 10 minutes before the first whistle. Burger vans, open bar and beef jerky shop and perfect conditions keeping the fans entertained for what promised to be a nail-biting fixture.

It took only a single minute for this seasons current lead try scorer James Botterill to touch down under the sticks laying the groundwork for what came next. Botterill currently the leagues top try scorer on that left wing working in tandem with the young break through fullback Harry Faulkner Additional key players such as Ben Kirby (left) a new signing for the club this season, added his masterclass at number 8, providing a notable presence in the lineout and open play.

The ever present and vast bulk of second row Fraser Wem shown on the right, with ball in hand preparing for what was the first of many influential carries within the game. His 6ft 8 inch durability coupled with his surprisingly manoeuvrable 120kg weight distribution, made for some exceedingly important yards made in the opposition defensive line. This was accompanied by Pierre Thompson, another star individual controlling the tempo of the game at 9, with his emphatically impressive boot and passing attributes, providing the forward pack that featured (Kirby) and (Wem) with a good sense of direction by securing quick ball and speed at the breakdown. The first half came to a close in what seemed to take a matter of moments, given the amount of fast paced action on display. With the halftime whistle sounded, the score was stationed at 43-0 to Esher, thus glorifying their chances of a bonus point victory. The extensive selection of food and beverage items were a notable inclusion in the halftime break, attracting the crowds in there masses. Moreover, it was clear to see the fan engagement during that first half was something to behold, a very impressive number was in attendance, which could be heard when ever a try was scored, and as the score board indicates, try scoring became a very regular occurrence.

The second half just like the first took the form of an extremely entertaining spectacle, with the opposition giving everything to stay in the fight, aided by former Esher play maker Tom Mitchell (left passing ball). However, Esher simply denying them any avenue into the game with and emphatic defensive gameplan.

Another flourish of tries including Ben Robins claiming his hattrick accompanied by an exemplary display off the kicking tee from 1XV Captain Sam Morley.

The final whistle blew at the end of the game and a standing ovation greeted the players as they left the field. it was at this moment I captured a very heart warming sentiment as Esher rugby Club Captain Adam Bullett was reunited with his new born son after a thrilling game of rugby. Bullett has played for the club for several seasons now and was the acting captain during promotion and relegation during the 2 seasons prior to the current. His dedication to the club combined with an evidently very patient wife, saw him adopt the title of club captain something he describes and an ‘Honour’.

When addressed in the post match interview around taking on the role as a father, Laughing he stated “Playing rugby off of 3/4 hours sleep is a bit tricky, but overall its amazing to have the little one there watching, it makes game day even more special and even more special coming off the pitch to have him there is definitely extra motivation.

After politely agreeing to a post match interview, here is what he had to say. (see Below).

After coming off the field, off the back of a victory that now really sets this story alight, Bullett had plenty to add in terms of the team and their future prospects. When asked about what went wrong last season to see relegation he stated “I think we were exposed quite a bit in terms of our strength and depth. We had a number of injuries in key positions which really hurt us” shifting the questioning to the team and players around him.