Match Report: Guernsey 14 - Esher 19

Botterill wings it for Esher in Guernsey 

RFU National League 2 East 

Saturday September 23 

Guernsey Raiders 14 Esher 19

James Botterill's try 10 minutes from time earned victory for Esher, strengthening their position in the top three.

The Surrey side's trip to the Channel Islands started on a bright note, Fin McBrearty going over after nine minutes and Sam Morley adding the conversion.

That lead was built upon by scrum-half Pierre Thompson claiming the second try on 33 minutes, stand-off Morley supplying the extras for 14-0.

A yellow card suffered by full-back Owen Waters moments from half time threatened to make the second half rather trickier for Esher, Raiders taking advantage within a minute of the restart when Ethan Smith struck, Daniel Rice's kick cutting the lead to seven points.

Waters' return could not prevent a second try, back row Carter Hackett going over and Rice levelling the scores.

It was Es who stuck it out to claim the winner, Botterill having proved a constant menace to Canterbury a week earlier and now applying the vital blow on 70. The conversion went astray but the visitors held on for victory, trailing just Dorking ­– the only team with a 100% record after four rounds – and Barnes in the table.

Old Albanians, currently seventh on the back of two wins and two defeats, visit Molesey Road on Saturday.

Games to come (home in bold) – Sept 30: Old Albanians. October 7: Bury St Edmunds; 14: Henley; November 4: Sevenoaks; 11: Tonbridge Juddians; 18: North Walsham; 25: Wimbledon. Dec 2: Worthing; 9: Dorking; 16: Westcombe Pk; January 13: Canterbury; 20: Guernsey; 27: Old Albanians; February 10: Bury St Edmunds; 17: Henley; 24: Sevenoaks; March 9: Tonbridge Juddians; 16: North Walsham; 23: Wimbledon; April 6: Worthing; 13: Dorking; 27: Barnes.