The Swedish skipper bagged a brace in the win, his second a potential try-of-the-season contender, while Ben Atkins and Rowan Grundy also crossed the whitewash as the forwards earned a late penalty try and Fraser Honey added a couple of conversions.

A Sam Morley penalty had earlier given Esher a 15th-minute lead, but Rams were well worth their win as they snapped a three-match National One losing streak to move back within a point of leaders Richmond – the table-toppers suffering a first setback of the season when going down to Rosslyn Park 25-17 on Saturday.

And Axel, up to six tries for the campaign, reflected: “It was a hard-fought battle – they brought so much as they always do, but we knew if we starved them of the ball and kept possession we’d come out on top.

“Occasionally we were trying to force it early on, but once we got the try, we settled and it was all about staying in their half.”

The wing’s second was a magnificent solo effort as he took the ball from deep inside his own half, chipped over Esher full-back Owen Waters before regathering to dive over in the corner for a 17-3 half-time lead.

He continued: “I locked eyes with (scrum-half) Jake (Murray) and he thought the blind-side was on, so we went. Then I saw space in behind and luckily the ball bounced straight into my arms, it was great.”

Also key to victory were the outstanding work from the forwards, another top display from the league’s tightest defence and the support of the fans, with Axel concluding: “The pack’s efforts are amazing. Their work killed off the Esher pack and with the go-forward it allows the backs to make more yards.

“(Defence coach) Danny (Batty) will be super-pleased and can rest easy over Christmas – we didn’t really let them close to our line and that was key in the win.

“Finally, the crowd numbers we’re getting are phenomenal and they’re just so, so good.
“We can always hear them, they spur us on and especially for me, when I’m running down the wing, it’s just fantastic.”

Rams have a three-week break before returning to action at Sale on Saturday, January 11.

The first home game of 2025 is against Dings Crusaders on January 18. For tickets, click here