Winger Andy Wright may not be returning to the Championship with Esher next season, but at least he feels as though he has progressed.
The 26-year-old joined the club from current Championship strugglers Doncaster Knights in 2011 and was part of the Molesey Road squad relegated to National Division One last summer.
Head coach Ollie Smith’s men crashed 36-33 to league leaders Ealing Trailfinders on Saturday thanks to a last-minute Owen Bruynseels score.
Former Loughborough University student Wright scored his 12th try of the campaign to open the scoring in a game that had Esher leading through a late Andy Garner score – set up by Wright – before Bruynseels’ intervention.
The result all but ended Esher hopes of pipping Ealing, but Wright was quick to praise Smith’s impact in two seasons with the club.
“I didn’t think my game would improve by dropping down from the Championship,” he said.
“I don’t think I’ve ever played as well as I have these past couple of years. No one cares about winning as much as Ollie and Ricky [Nebbett]. They are the most devastated about the defeat.”
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