Park suffer first ever defeat by rivals Esher

Rosslyn Park lost to near neighbours Esher for the first time on Saturday.

Park put together some good phases of possession but could not capitalise on hard-earned ground conceding penalties or turning over possession at crucial moments.

Esher took the lead through a Jon Gregory penalty and produced some wonderful rugby to delight the large crowd.

They were rewarded again in the 21st minute with a penalty which Gregory converted.

Right on half time, Esher's Matt Morahan, in his own 22, called a mark which he took quickly.

He palmed off two tacklers and sent the ball out to Gregory, who released Spencer Bromley for a try. Gregory missed the conversion and Esher went in 11-0 up.

Park came out with intent in the second half and Esher were forced on the defensive.

Lee Gibson was introduced and had an immediate impact, dominating the lineout, and the scrummaging became more direct.

Esher increased their lead through a Gregory penalty, but then Park were awarded a penalty try, which was con-verted, when a ruck was brought down by Esher.

Esher were put under the cosh, but defended well and were later given a penalty, which Gregory converted.

Matt Dowse gave Park a glimmer of hope with a late penalty, but despite a cont-inuing improvement on the pitch in terms of territory and possession, Esher's strong defence were enough to take the points.

November 6, 2001 10:30