Jewell Expects a Newbury Backlash

By MARK BENGOECHEA
SEB JEWELL has warned Esher to expect a Newbury backlash in Saturday’s showdown at Monks Lane.
The National One leaders thrashed the Blues 56-5 at Molesey Road in October in a game that saw the injury-hit visitors finish with 14 men.
But Esher’s in-form centre Jewell insists Newbury will be a far different proposition on home soil following their impressive win at Launceston last weekend.
Newbury’s 25-24 victory ended a run of six straight wins by the Cornish side and fired a warning shot across Esher’s bows.
Now Jewell  says Esher must show the same attitude that saw them turn on a 13-try super show in the 89-0 win over Stourbridge last Saturday.
Jewell, one of five Esher players selected for the English Counties to face AIB Ireland Club next month, said: “Things are going really well and the title is ours to lose now.
“But our defeat at Sedgley Park earlier this season shows that you have to go into every game with the right mental attitude.
“There are a lot of good teams in this division and if you give them hope, they will punish you and we know Newbury will not be an easy game.
“It is so important to get out of the blocks quickly. That first 20 minutes is so often the most important part of the game and it’s vital we go start with the right attitude.
“But our coach Mike Schmid won’t let us get complacent. We must just keep playing the way we have been doing.
“No team is unbeatable and we know that every time we travel teams will be putting in a huge effort against us.
“We know we can’t expect to go away and just pick up the four or five points. Sedgley Park certainly proved that.”
Esher racked up 13 tries against Stourbridge in a clinical exhibition of open rugby that kept them five points clear at the top of National One with a game in hand.
Jewell admitted: “It was definitely one of the best performances we have produced and we took just about every chance going. We scored some superb team tries.”
Coach Schmid said: “That was certainly our most complete performance that we have seen all season. We played with fantastic intent.
“The tempo we played at and the pace and precision were absolutely superb and the best of the season in terms of performance.
“But Newbury are a very good side and we know we are going to get a team’s best games away from home so we must make sure we show the right attitude.”
Jewell is one of five Esher players in the England Counties side to face AIB Ireland Club at Stourbridge on February 26 alongside prop Tom Warren, lock James Inglis, back row Sam Stitcher and full-back Sam Ulph.
That means Esher have postponed their home game against Sedgley Park on February 27 to May 8 as any team with three or more players are given that option.
Schmid added:  “It’s disappointing to have to postpone another game, especially after the recent disruptions due to the weather.
“But with five players out we are certainly not going to be taking any chances. It’s a no-brainer really.”
Inglis is still struggling with a foot injury for the trip to Newbury while Jonny Hylton is also a doubt with a hip injury.

Supporter's Club Coach to Newbury

The Esher Supporters Club are running a coach to the Newbury game at £19 per person. To book your place contact eshersupportersclub@btconnect.com.