ESHER 17 BLAYDON 13

For the second week in a row Esher failed to put in a decent performance, but this time at least they managed to scrape a victory that see them in the draw for the quarter-finals of the EDF National Trophy.

Blaydon came to Surrey bringing with them several Newcastle Falcons including experienced scrum half Hall Charlton who a few years ago was selected for England.

Even with these additions Esher should not have faced the uphill struggle they did.

Esher took the lead after two minutes through a Neil Hallett penalty and the score doubled on nine minutes when Hallett obliged once more.

Maybe they then sat back because Blaydon then came at Esher looking to secure a cup run.

On 13 minutes some indecision in the Esher back line allowed a midfield break that ended with Blaydon centre Adam Deharty going in under the posts, with a successful conversion by Mike Sutherland, Blaydon took the lead 7-6.

Esher responded immediately and thought they scored a try but the ball was adjudged to have been knocked on at impact.

Esher did respond minutes later when Matt Moore scored a well worked try, the conversion by Hallett fading just wide at the last second.

Esher looked to be plain sailing and possibly let their guard down as they failed to convert several other chances and gave Blaydon hope.

Taking a half time lead 11-7 the 2nd half was going to be tough going against the wind and into the sun.

Esher struck the first points in the second half again through a Hallett penalty that were answered on 50 and 57 by two penalties for Blaydon by replacement Daniel Kyle bringing the score to Esher 14 Blaydon 13, and the battle was on.

Having said that, Esher played poorly, the main reason being that they failed to take their chances and spilled at least three try scoring opportunities, which again gave Blaydon hope.

One controversial moment came when Esher fly-half Dave Hewitt was clean through only to taken out with a high tackle when only yards from the Blaydon line.

It seemed a penalty try was certain, but alas not awarded.

It seemed that every Esher attack was like defending, as Blaydon desperately tried to get a winning score.

With only a one-point deficit Esher, who had been guilty early on for giving away needless penalties, kept their cool and defended stoutly and, more importantly, legally.

On 77 minutes, Hallett secured the Esher victory with another penalty that gave Esher a four-point cushion that forced Blaydon into running from deep to get a much-need try.

Esher defended well and kept out the Blaydon onslaught to go into the hat for the quarter-finals.

Esher: N Hallett, M Moore (D Slemen 58), D. Flockhart, T Clouston (C Baumberg 68 -73), R Briggs (C Baumberg 79), I Barnes (L Lane 68); D Millard, J Campbell (S Goldsmith 67), A Alexander (T Warren 46), P Barker (A Harris 23) G Johnson, T Yellowlees (M Blakeburn 38-41), M Soden, L Starling (M Blakeburn 48).Esher scorersTries: Moore. Pens: Hallett 4.NEXT WEEK ESHER TRAVEL TO CORNWALL FOR SUNDAY'S CLASH AGAINST CORNISH PIRATES. KICK-OFF AT THE CAMBORNE RFC GROUND IS 2PM.