Esher 35 Wharfedale 17

An away match against the National League Two promotion favourites Esher was not the opening fixture that Wharfedale would have wished for.

They performed well enough, and came tantalisingly close at the end to snatching a four-try bonus point, before losing 35-17.

With the blustery wind at their backs, Wharfedale had the edge in the first half, leading 12-10 at the break. Then, after Esher had advanced to a 20-12 advantage midway through the second half, a fine try by winger James Hutchinson - racing fully 60 metres to the line - seemed to put the Dalesmen back in the game.

That hope was shortlived. A converted try, straight from the restart, restored the home side's two-score cushion and confidence. Esher controlled much of the remainder of play and finished comfortable winners.

Esher drew first blood with a try by centre Bevon Armitage. Wharfedale hit back through flanker Hedley Verity, whose 23rd-minute touchdown, following a drive from a line-out, was converted by skipper Andy Baggett.

The Greens went further ahead via Gareth Lodge's try but saw the lead cut to just two points when Esher winger Matt Moore crossed.

A try by winger Richard Briggs on 41 minutes, converted by Neil Hallett, put Esher ahead before Hallett added three more points with a penalty.

Hutchinson's dash on 63 minutes brought the visitors briefly within three points but No 8 Ladi Vondrasek's converted try a minute later and a late try by substitute winger Emmanuel Amapakabo sealed the result.