Merton's runaway 56-5 home victory over an Esher XV in Saturday's friendly was marred by a shoulder injury that will keep young wing Steve Lowin out for the rest of the season.

But the win will put Merton in a confident mood for this Saturday's league visit to Egham.

Inspiring captain Chuck Sanger scored a hat-trick of tries for Merton on his return after injury.

Other tries came from Frankie Murray, James Newbury, Kerryn James, Dean Evans, Alan Power and Sam Borgfeldt, his first for the club. Murray kicked a penalty and four conversions.

Tom Wood, Danny Trick and Craig Millan combined well in midfield, while wing forwards Dan Somerset and Borgfeldt gained plenty of good possession, which enabled Wood to launch wave after wave of attacks.