Sat 27 Jan 2024, 15:00
RFU National League 2
East Saturday January 27
Old Albanians 17 Esher 59
Written by Richard Spiller
James Botterill's blast of four tries led Esher to an overwhelming victory at Albanians as they extended their lead at the top to four points.
Victory in Hertfordshire – going over nine times in total – was their 14th win in 16 outings this season and 10th in a row, more good news coming with challengers Dorking and Bury St Edmunds both losing.
A performance of power and authority sent Es into the half time interval 35-0 up, against an OAs side securely in mid-table, enabling them to improve their points difference along the way – handy in case things get tight in the hectic final weeks of the campaign.
Wing Botterill, whose arrival is proving key to Esher's attempt to bounce back from relegation immediately, went over for his first try on five minutes, Albanians paying for an error after starting brightly.
And another mistake four minutes later, having a kick charged down, set up full-back Harry Faulkner for the second try, Sam Morley converting both to make it 14-0.
Botterill was over for the second time on 24 minutes, latching on to a kick through the covering defence, Morley once more on target, and Es had their bonus point secured within 34 minutes through front row Theo Skoumbourdis. Hooker Andy Hamilton joined him on the scoreboard just before the break, as the visitors pushed over following a lineout. Skipper Morley's kick ensured a full house as his side relished playing at Premiership club Saracens' training base.
Albanians clearly benefited from the break, striking back within two minutes of the restart through Kennedy Sylvester, scrum-half Bailey Thomas augmenting that on 53 minutes.
Esher were back on song on the hour, Pierre Thompson going over and Dan Rowland striking six minutes later.
Botterill was hungry for more, striking on 72 and 74 minutes to reach the 20-try mark – leading the way in Division 2 East – Morley finishing with seven conversions for the afternoon.
OAs had the final word with a third try of a bruising day for them.
Esher can now enjoy a week off before hosting Bury St Edmunds at Molesey Road on February 10, which will be their first home game of the year following the postponement of Guernsey's visit on January 20
Games to come – Feb 10: Bury St Edmunds (H); 17: Henley (A); 24: Sevenoaks (H); March 9: Tonbridge Juddians (A); 16: North Walsham (A); 23: Wimbledon (H); April 6: Worthing (A); 13: Dorking (H); 20: Guernsey (H); 27: Barnes (A).
