Esher director of rugby Mike Schmid has admitted departing back-row stalwart Ladi Vondrasek will be a hard act to follow as his side prepare for National Division One rugby.

Schmid watched as the Czech international put in another all-action display to help Esher come back from 13-3 down to beat play-off chasing Henley 28-13 on Saturday.

The 33-year-old has been a large part of the club's relentless march to the Division Two trophy - presented to them on Saturday by RFU president Bob Rogers - but moves to Switzerland in the summer.

Vondrasek was honoured with the playing of the Czech national anthem at the end of the match, and Schmid believes Esher need more players of his class if they are to survive at a higher level.

"Ladi is going to be difficult to replace because he is a fantastic player and very experienced," he said.

"His leaving will give some of the youngsters an opportunity to step up and prove they can play at this level, but we are under no illusions that next season is going to be tough and we will need more players like him.

"We have a very balanced back row who complement each other well and he has made it tick."

Full-back Neil Hallett moved to within 22 points of the all-time club points scoring record of 404 in a season at the weekend, but Esher had only his penalty to show for their efforts before the break.

An 18-minute spell in the second half ended Henley's hopes as tries from skipper Duncan Cormack, Bevon Armitage and Hallett hauled Esher clear, with the number 15 adding two further penalties to secure the points.

Schmid is hunting new talent for next season and on-loan NEC Harlequins prop Mark Lambert has impressed during his spell at the club.

"Mark is the sort of player we'd like at Esher, but he would be stupid to leave Quins permanently at this stage because I would assume he is part of Dean Richards' plans next year," added the former Canadian international.

"We may not have him next season but that can only be a good thing for us because we want to be seen as a club that can act as a launch pad to a successful pro career."

Esher travel Wharfedale on Saturday for their last National Division Two match of the season.