PROGRESS ALL ROUND

MATCH PREVIEW

In my time at the club, we have never won away at Esher, and don’t be fooled by their current league position. They are still a strong side that has suffered a bad run of injuries — something we can certainly empathise with. The difference in this group in recent weeks is that, no matter what happens, they remain composed, stick to our plan, and win the physicality battle. Going 14–0 down in just over five minutes would rattle some teams, but the players showed how much they have grown, closing the gap almost immediately before delivering a ruthless second-half performance. Getting better every week is our sole focus, and the players continue to deliver improvements across all areas of our game.
The Pilgrims recorded another excellent home victory, scoring the winning try with a minute to go despite receiving an early red card and being reduced to 12 men at one point. They have now won five of their last seven matches, lifting them to eighth in the table. It is gritty performances like last Saturday’s that have been at the heart of the recent change in results. In a tightly contested Regional 2 South East, only ten points separate 11th and 4th, so we know we must continue to pick up results to remain in this part of the table. The Pilgrims travel to Gravesend for their final game of 2025, looking to maintain their current trajectory.
The 1st XV travel to Sevenoaks for our Christmas derby, which is always a fiercely competitive fixture. The players are well aware of what it will take and are fully focused on finishing the year on a high.
As this is the final fixture of 2025, it is also a good time to reflect on the past 12 months. Looking across the men’s teams, it feels like everything is moving in the right direction. The Canons and the Pilgrims are both adjusting well to their new leagues, and the first team has built momentum with the opportunity to finish the year on a winning run. None of this would be possible without the unrelenting support we receive from the club’s sponsors, volunteers, and supporters. From myself and all the teams, we are incredibly grateful to you all. I hope you are able to enjoy a very Merry Christmas, and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH