Esher 34 Tynedale 24

Sam Ulph's boot was the difference between the teams at Molesey road, where fourth-placed Tynedale won the second half, writes Geoff Nordemann.

But for Ulph's two penalties and four conversions, the visitors could have eased past the league leaders.

Esher's director of rugby Mike Schmid was disappointed: “We should have got a couple more scores earlier on. It was our game and we let them back into it.

"It is not often that we come second in the physicality department but we did today - mind you, they’re a good side and have the two top scores against us this season."

Esher again started quickly and, with just three minutes gone, Rod Turner scored from close range, with Ulph converting.

Esher looked to be the only team playing and, after 14 minutes, following Tyndale's Douglas Jupp being given a 10-minute rest, Shawn Renwick forced his way over. Ulph converted.

Ten minutes later, Ulph kicked a 40-yard penalty as Esher eased into a 17-point lead.

But three minutes later, Tynedale’s hooker Matthew Fieldhouse intercepted a pass on his own 10 and, head down, ran all the way to the left corner to score.

Seb Jewell retuned the compliment in the 35 minute when, as Tynedale tried to run out from their own goalline, he intercepted and scored under the post. Ulph popped it over and the half closed at 24-5.

With barely a minute of the second half gone, David Slemen cut through the defence for Garrick Cowley to finish under the posts, Ulph making no mistake.

Tynedale dug in and, after some nice movement, full-back James Hoyle collected a pass on the wing crossing and reducing the angle for his kicker Gavin Beasley to convert.

Ulph kicked another penalty, then Esher's Rob Anderson was given 10 minutes in the bin.

From the resulting penalty, Tynedale drove to the line, with Andrew Murray being accredited the score.

Not to be outdone brother, Alistair grabbed the ball from the base of a scrum and dashed to the line. Beasley converted.

Esher mounted a final assault but had already done just enough to claim the spoils.

Esher scorers - tries: Turner, Renwick, Jewell, Cowley; cons: Ulph 4; pens: Ulph 2