Sat 27 Apr 2024, 15:00
Barnes 26 Esher 24
Runners-up Barnes completed the double over champions Esher – and took the Surrey Cup with their final day victory.
It had been back at the start of September that the south-west London side prevailed 39-38 at Molesey Road in the opening match of the campaign, after which Es took few missteps in surging to the title – won with two matches to spare – and with it an immediate return to National Division One.
That was the primary target for the season but every successful team wants to finish on a high and the team picked by director of rugby Peter Winterbottom and head coach Chris Wilkins reflected that.
An outstanding tussle was worthy of the two top teams in the competition while the Surrey Cup being on offer added extra spice.
Neither side gave ground willingly, it taking 24 minutes before a breakthrough was made when hooker Cam Ruddock went over following a maul.
Esher responded two minutes later, Andy Hamilton cancelling out his opposite number's score and Owen Waters converting to take a 7-5 lead. Scrum-half Waters, deputising for Sam Morley, added a penalty on 34 to make it 10-5 and it remained that way at the interval.
Barnes, though, were off the mark faster in the second half, through Ruddock again, this time Tom Wilstead supplying the extras.
James Botterill had gone into the match as leading try-scorer in the division with 34, extending that tally on 47 minutes and Waters again capping it.
A fascinating match took another turn on 63 minutes as Ben Christie forced a path through the Es cover, linking with Josh Davies who sent over Wilstead for the try, which he converted.
Callum Watson extended the advantage for Barnes with eight minutes remaining – Wilstead converting once more – although Botterill struck for the 36th time three minutes from the end. Alex Seers converted, reducing the gap to two points, but it was Barnes who finished the season on a triumphant note.
If you would like to watch the match please click the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TsyOjawkU0
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