Esher learn from their Scottish lesson

Esher coach Craig Chalmers hailed his side’s battling qualities as they learned from last week’s 81-12 mauling at London Scottish to secure victory at Richmond.

The boot of fly-half Luke Daniels and a late score from Spencer Sutherland ensured Esher survived yellow cards for Stewart Maguire, Michael Macfarlane and Dave Millard to secure a 28-22 National League One win at the Athletic Ground.

“There was some good stuff,” said former Scotland international Chalmers.

“It was pleasing that aspects of our game we worked on last week came off, but it’s the first game and it’s all about getting that first win.

“Away from home at Richmond, they’re a good side, a well-drilled side, so that’s not a bad result to get us going.

“We want to look at the performance and build on it, but at the end of the day the win’s massive, it gives us something to work with.

“[Going down to 13 men] galvanised us a little bit. Sometimes you play against 13 men, 14 men, and it’s a bit harder, but we had enough control of the ball.”

Esher indiscipline saw them lose Maguire and Macfarlane in the first half, but despite the numerical advantage centre Jay Udo-Udoma gave his side a 13-7 lead at the break.

Richmond’s William Warden and Esher’s Thomas Whelan then exchanged scores – Daniels converting and adding a penalty to put them 11 points clear.

Millard saw yellow and Richmond got back into the game through James Doherty and Rob Alexander, before Sutherland sealed the points for Esher late on.

Esher, seventh in the table, host league leaders Henley Hawks on Saturday.

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