Esher RFC were founded in 1923 when four rugby enthusiasts agreed to start a club. As one of the four was a Welshman who had played for Newport RFC it was decided to choose the black and amber of Newport for the Esher colours. It has remained the same to this day.
When league rugby was created Esher were placed in London Division One but were relegated after the first season and did not regain their place at that level until 1993. They gained promotion to the National League system for the 1997-98 season and finished in fourth place in National Two South. They won promotion to National One in 2006-7, setting a new record for points scored in National Two South.
Esher won promotion from National One to the Championship in 2009-10 and during this season broke the world scoring record with a 148-0 win over Manchester. They remained in the Championship for two seasons before being relegated back to National One for the 2012-13 season. The club have also won the Surrey County Cup on eight occasions.
Last season Esher were promoted back into National One as champions of National Two South, along with Chinnor, who came second in that division.
Like ourselves Esher have struggled to adapt themselves to the higher level and are just two places above us in the league table. However, they have a far better record than we have, having P22 W7 D0 L15 F595 A714 BPs15 Pts 43.
In the corresponding game at Esher on November 26th they defeated us by 34-0. Their last league game was on March 12th at home against Chinnor, the side they were promoted with last season, and after a very close game the visitors won by 24-22.
This will be the very first time Esher RFC have visited the Ferens Ground and we wish them a warm East Yorkshire welcome.
Norman Angell
HULL RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB 