A full 22 selected and the time was set in advance but several players managed to be late for the warm up.

Swift changes to the starting line up were forced as a result and the game commenced on the 1st team pitch which is still showing the signs of heavy usage from last week.

Esher exerted early pressure and forced over for a try which wasn't converted. Vandals then competed in every department and play remained in between the two 22 metre lines for a large period of time with handling errors affecting both sides.

Vandals began to exert real pressure and a great run from James Gulliver saw Esher penalised 5 metres out. The resulting penalty was taken and successive drives for the line were made but unfortunately too upright and the ball was not forced over the line. After the third successive penalty, Max McArdle forced his way over from close in. The kick was missed so the half ended 5 - 5.

The second half stated similarly with Esher applying pressure and Vandals eventually missing vital tackles to allow Esher to score.

From the kick off, Vandals were forced back into their in goal area and as the kick was made by Alastair Kinder, he was flattened and the kick didn't go to touch. Esher ran it straight back, across the defence and more tackle were missed.

The game continued with Esher ending as winners with 6 tries to 1, and a final score of 5 - 30.

The call in the second half was for 'what we do in training'. This should have been what you were doing from the start. Every tackle had to be made and they had to be at knee level, not standing upright.
The runners were often isolated and as a result were penalised for not releasing, when they should have had support.

The first half was a very well contested game with neither side really dominating. It should have been better in the second half and we could have had 3 tries if the body position going in was lower and there was immediate support to force the player through tackles.

Rest up, sort out the bumps and bruises and be back at training on Wednesday evening!