Mike Schmid has told his Esher high-fliers to be more disciplined after a Jekyll and Hyde display at Stourbridge.
Esher trailed the Midlands outfit 17-11 at half-time before cutting loose to rattle up a 48-17 victory and fifth straight National One triumph.
Now director of rugby Schmid has warned his promotion favourites to be fully focused from the kick-off in Saturday’s home clash against Newbury.
He said: “It was a disappointing display in the first half. We gave away a lot of needless penalties and made too many mistakes.
“Mentally we were not quite there in the first half and that is something we will have to address against Newbury.
“The penalty count was far too high and that is my biggest concern. Our goal in every game is less than 10 penalties and yet there were nine in that first half plus 12 turnovers.
“Discipline is such a key area and there were a couple of repeat offenders who have got to learn from their mistakes.
“Having said all that, the boys responded and the second half was the best we have played this season. Now our target is to maintain that against Newbury.
“The boys played with a lot of confidence and flair and our ball retention was very good. It was tremendous to watch.”
Sam Ulph scored a try and booted 23 points while Chris York, Jonny Hylton, Tom Loizides and Neil Taylor touched down to collect the bonus point.
Skipper Dave Slemen missed his second game in succession at Stourbridge to be with his wife following the birth of their first child.
But the Esher fly-half should be back for Saturday’s clash with Newbury and Seb Jewell will return to centre.
Schmid also expects to have back rower Sam Stitcher available following a groin injury while Lee Starling and James Tubasei are both pushing for first-team places again following injury.
He said: “I may make a couple of changes against Newbury because there are a lot of hungry players eager to get into the first team who are playing well.”
Schmid expects Newbury Blues to present a tough challenge even though they have lost three of their five opening league games, including a 25-23 home defeat by Launceston last weekend.
Schmid added: “We know we will have to perform to our best because Newbury are a very dangerous team.
“They have lost a few close ones but they will be giving it a real go against us. But we are slowly improving with every game and we are hoping for a good crowd to help us carry on our winning run.”
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