Richmond director of rugby Steve Hill has backed Esher to mount a National Division One title challenge, despite sticking a spanner in the works of the Molesey Road men at the weekend.
 

Head coach Ollie Smith’s men cut frustrated figures as his side’s unbeaten home record was wrecked by a 23-19 defeat to their near neighbours on Saturday.
 

Esher’s fifth league defeat of the season leaves them 11 points adrift of league leaders Ealing, but they still have to face the west Londoners, second-placed Blaydon and Rosslyn Park at home in the new year.
 

And Hill, whose side are making a good fist of their first season in the third tier of English rugby having earned promotion last term, is confident Esher have a major part to play in the destination of the title.
 

“From the outsider’s point of view no one gave us a hope,” said Hill.
 

“They are a team that will be pushing for promotion and were unbeaten at home until the weekend.
 

“Although they have lost a few games recently they still have to play Ealing, Blaydon and Rosslyn Park at home so they will definitely be in the mix.”
 

Esher made a fast start and were 12-0 up through scores from Peter Synott and Spencer Sutherland.
 

But the visitors hit back through James Greenwood, JP Attlee and Jason Phipps – plus a Tom Platts penalty – to make Gareth Morgan’s score 10 minutes from time immaterial.

Smith’s men have yet to hit full throttle this term but the coach insisted they remained well placed.
 

“People forget this is a very young squad – with  the exception of Kris Chesney –  with players that haven’t played this level before,” he added.
 

“We should be eight points better off than we are, but overall I’m pleased with the way the squad is functioning.
 

“We’ve shown some flashes of classy rugby this year.
 

“We are only going to get better as the season goes on and I cannot see other teams around us doing that.”
 

Esher go to Blackheath tomorrow.