A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher

A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.

- MIKE DAVIS

An early line break from Esher centre Ed Volley led to an offside penalty that was dispatched by Tom Walker.

But the Lions responded quickly and prop Chris Romano crashed over from close range following a period of sustained pressure on the Esher line.

This was quickly followed by a driving maul try, finished by hooker Arthur Allen, to give the Lions a deserved 14-3 lead after what was a frantic first ten minutes.

The wet conditions were proving tricky for both sides, and a handling error by the Lions was scooped up by Esher centre Myles Rawstron-Rudd to go in unopposed.

This was backed up by a score from the lively Esher scrum-half Henry Mortimer.