Esher sit top of the National Division One table thanks to a culture shock at Molesey Road and director of rugby Mike Schmid’s work is not done yet.
Saturday’s 46-5 win over Coventry lifted Esher to the summit thanks to Blackheath’s narrow win over previous leaders Hartpury College.
This time last year Schmid’s men had just halted a three match losing streak with a home win over Hartpury’s east London conquerors in contrast to this term’s flying form.
Things have turned round to such an extent Esher already have three wins away from home this season, having waited until January this year to secure their first victory on the road last time around.
And Schmid puts it down to some ruthless decisions made during pre-season coming to fruition.
“We worked hard to change the culture at the club during pre-season,” he said.
“We had a couple of seasons where we changed the coaching staff and it never really worked. We needed some more stability.
“The rebuilding work has been done to an extent, but we are still looking to build and build.
“We have started well, but the season is only young.”
Former Harlequins winger Tom Williams joined in the summer as a player coach and while a core of senior players has been retained the emphasis has been on the development of youth.
Familiar faces like hooker Neil Sweeney, Ian Kench, Ollie Mines, Andy Wright and Tom Cheeseman remain but they have been challenged by the arrivals of the likes of fly half Paul Roberts, prop Kevin Davis and lock Stan South.
The return to fitness of scrum half Andy Garner, right, has also been a bonus.
“Andy [Garner] missed all of last season and has played all nine games this time. He is like a new signing,” added Schmid “We’ve used 31 players so far this season and there is real competition in the squad.
“That has been the biggest difference. We have got some young guys who are taking their chances and running with it with both hands.
“They want to show they can win and still play an expansive game and they have the skills to do it.”
Esher host sixth-placed Rosslyn Park tomorrow and Schmid’s opposite number James Buckland knows his men face a stiff test.
“For Esher to put 46 points on Coventry is a superb effort – they’ve obviously flying at the minute,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to it, but know we’re going to have to front up.
“We’ve put in the time on the training pitch this week and it’s in our hands to go there and build on everything we’ve done so far this season.
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