Mike Schmid hailed the return of James Inglis and Neil Hallett after Esher stepped up their National One title charge with a 67-5 rout of Nuneaton at Molesey Road on Saturday.

Lock Inglis and utility back Hallett both made their comebacks after long-term injuries in the victory.

It was another huge lift for director of rugby Schmid as he plans for Saturday’s trip to the North-East to face Blaydon.

Esher’s 12th win from 13 leaves them six points clear of rivals London Scottish at the top of National One.

Schmid said: “It was great to have Neil and James back and they will increase the competition for places in the squad.

“Neil has been out after a knee operation but has had a few run-outs with the seconds and looked pretty good in his first start.

“James made his first appearance since a back operation last May and came on for the last 30 minutes or so.

“He brings a physical edge to our game and really makes his presence felt on the pitch. He’s only 22 or so but is a very mature rugby player.

“Quins let him go at the end of last season but are having a second look at him now. He was fantastic for us last year and I’m a big fan of his. He could yet be a Premiership rugby player.”

Schmid has yet to decide if Hallett or Inglis will start at Blaydon, but on-loan Quins centre Seb Jewell is struggling with a rib injury sustained in the 11-try Nuneaton romp.

Schmid was delighted with the attitude shown against the Nuns last Saturday and is demanding a repeat against Blaydon.

He said: “We are playing some exciting rugby and I was pleased with the performance against Nuneaton.

“But Blaydon is a very difficult place to go to and we are expecting a very tough physical encounter.

“They lost heavily at Launceston last weekend but we know they will really be up for us on their own patch and we will not be taking them lightly.

“They were unlucky to lose to Cambridge at home last month and know they will be looking forward to taking us on. We always seem to bring the best out in teams.

“But it is important that we take the game to them and focus on our own performance.

“If we are trying to win National One we cannot afford any slip-ups.

“The defeat to Sedgley Park was a reminder that, if you are not totally focused in this league, you will lose.

“But we are playing some good rugby now and must just take one game at a time, even if that is a cliché.”