To score five tries against a side who will probably be close to the top of the pecking order at the end of the season would normally be an occasion for joy. Not so much when the outfit in question score seven in their turn, most of them converted.

Saturday’s match had something of the ‘curate’s egg’ about it but sadly the OA portion was not totally in the ‘quite good’ category. However even though there was, rightly, disappointment amongst the coaching staff it is probably fair to say that Albanian shortcomings were more to do with detail rather than a large disparity of application. The devil is in the detail in modern rugby. OAs were handily placed for the first half hour; but then a gap opened up which the visitors were unable to close.

There were a series of Albanian mistakes either side of the break which probably proved crucial, taking the score to 29-12 after a penalty try ten minutes into the second period. This gave Esher their bonus point and a one man advantage for ten minutes. Notwithstanding Mike Bond drove over five minutes later to add to the first half efforts of Barnes and Nurse.

McBrearty and Rowlands crossed for Esher as the half entered the final quarter. Then Alex Ricci took a hand with two sparkling winger’s tries, the first earning his side a bonus point. Matt Lowes ended the scoring for the home side on his 100th appearance for the club.

Wimbledon are the visitors to Woollams next Saturday.

Brian Quinn,

Roving Reporter