ESHER rugby club were formed in 1923, and when the league system was introduced in 1987, they were placed in London One.

However, they were relegated immediately and failed to regain that status until 1993.

The club, who play at Molesey Road, Hersham, were eventually promoted to the National League system for the 1997-8 campaign, finishing fourth in National Two South after leading for most of the season.

They were runners-up the following year, but won promotion in 2000.

The club won National League Two in 2007 and went up to the Championship two years later to continue their mercurial rise.

During that season they broke the world record by scoring 22 tries in a 148-0 crushing of Manchester.

But their fortunes went into reverse, and they dropped down to National Two South.

However, they finished champions in 2021/22 and Rams met Esher for the first time in the following campaign – other than when the Berkshire men (then Old Redingensians) played Esher Cardinals (2nd XV) on a regular basis in the 1960s.

The hosts triumphed 38-21 at Old Bath Road on the opening day, Axel Kalling-Smith breaking through three would-be defenders for a second-minute score added to by Alex Seers.

Henry Bird and Charlie Robson added converted tries for 21-0, Esher off the mark as Sam Morley slotted after Ben Robbins went over.

Rams sealed the bonus-point and a 28-7 half-time lead through Hayman and Seers, the latter then converting his own try midway through the third quarter.

Yet a penalty try and Robbins’ second gave the Eees some hope, star man Seers landing a penalty to snuff it out.

Then on the final day Rams’ 33-19 away victory consigned the Surrey side to an immediate relegation.

Two Pierre Thompson scores, one converted by Morley, had the hosts 12-0 up before Kalling-Smith replied.

Morley was on target after Josh Jordan crossed, but Rams sealed the deal with Connor Stapley dotting down before the break and Drew Humberstone, Zach Clow and Olise Monye afterwards.

However, Peter Winterbottom’s side bounced back straight away, winning 22 of their 26 games to take the National Two East title after a hard-fought battle with Barnes and Dorking last term.

Rams beat their hosts 43-24 in Round Two in September, Hayman with the opener before Sam Bullock and Charlie Clare scored for Esher, an Owen Water conversion making it 12-5.

Yet Hayman and Tomek Pozniak, with two Fraser Honey conversions had the visitors 19-12 up at the break.

A bullock try cut the gap before Morgan MacRae and Pozniak claimed converted tries, Ed Volley’s reply leaving it 33-24 before MacRae and Kalling-Smith finished the job.

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