Preview Titans on the road to Esher

Titans renew acquaintances with familiar opponents on Saturday when they travel up the A303 to take on Esher RFC. Following a week off, Taunton will have their batteries recharged for the encounter with the newly promoted Surrey side who pipped Redruth to last season’s National League Two South title. It’s a historic season for Esher as they look forward to their centenary in 2023. The club was formed when four rugby enthusiasts, enjoying a pint at the Wheatsheaf in Esher, decided to form a rugby club. To this day photos of Esher Rugby players are on display in the Wheatsheaf pub toilets.

Esher reached the heights of the Championship in 2010,setting a world record winning score of 148-0 against Manchester en route to promotion but only lasted two seasons in England’s second tier before dropping back down.

Last time the Titans headed to Molesey Road, in 2019, they were edged out in a tight match by the Eees, 10-8. Taunton were league leaders at the time and were on their way to promotion in the Covid-interrupted season. Stuart Persey rumbled over for a late try next to the posts but, with a chance to convert and draw the game, the attempt inexplicably went wide.

Winless in their first five games but scoring tries and earning bonus points, Esher are coached by Director of Rugby Peter Winterbottom. The legendary England and British and Irish Lions flanker is assisted by Head Coach Chris Wilkins, a former club captain of Esher who is also Head of Rugby at the highly successful Whitgift School. Whitgift alumnus, full back Sam M’Boge, has linked up once more with his former school coach, having played for Hong Kong Scottish since completing his studies at University of Exeter, during which time he appeared in the A League for Exeter Braves. Another former Exeter Chiefs player, Sam Morley, lines up at fly-half for Esher and they are captained from the second row by former Ireland U20 international Hugh Sloan who has also played in New Zealand for Mount Maunganui.

They currently occupy one of the relegation spots but are only two points behind Titans and will be targeting a first victory of the season against a Taunton side who find themselves only one place higher in the table.

The Taunton 2nd XV will be at home Vs Yattonwhich kicks off at 15:00 at Veritas Park.

Entrance to the Molesey Road ground is £15 per non-member of Esher adult with concessionary tickets £10. A pre-match lunch for £50 can be booked by contacting emma@esherrugby.co.uk though it is likely to be very busy at it is Esher’s non-playing members’ reunion luncheon. Parking at the ground is available on a first-come first-served basis and costs £5 per vehicle. The ground is located very close to Hersham Railway Station. Kick-off is at 3pm.

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