The 2008/09 season finally gets underway with a visit to Esher who performed well to establish themselves in National Division 1 having been promoted the previous season.
They didn't find it easy against the Chiefs who they played three times, twice in the league and also in the EDF Trophy. The Chiefs won
47-13 on their first visit to the Hersham ground,
42-7 (report) at home in the Trophy quater-final and
26-0 (report) in the home league game.
Both sides have made considerable changes in the closed season. Esher have recruited 14 new players plus a handful from Harlequins on loan, whilst the Chiefs have 15 new players this season.
Esher are clearly intent in not only staying in ND1 but making their mark as this quote from their web'site shows:-
”Esher open their new campaign with a home clash against promotion favourites Exeter, who hammered Esher three times in league and cup last season. But Clouston (captain) hopes Esher can catch the Chiefs cold and pull off a shock win. He said: "It's actually quite a good first game to have." If they are going to show any weakness it will be in the first game. They have recruited massively and are obviously going for the Premiership. "But they have to gel together, it doesn't matter how good you are, you can't just walk onto the pitch and be perfect in your first game."So it's a great opportunity for us to let the league know we are serious and are not going to be relegation fighters.”
I'm sure Pete Drewett and the squad are taking nothing for granted but I expect nothing less than a comprehensive win from the Chiefs.