This weekend Esher face a newly formed Coventry side, who have come through a tough few months to return to National Division One.

While the summer activities of Esher concentrated on building and developing the squad, Coventry’s efforts were focussed on issues off the pitch. Following Coventry Football Club Ltd going into administration in February and the acquisition of business and assets by Coventry RFC Ltd, there was some doubt that the Club would be able to continue in National One this season. Discussions with the RFU resulted in extra time to meet the requirements to play in league, and a passionate campaign supported by The Coventry Telegraph gained an overwhelming response from players, supporters and the people of Coventry, raising the bond required to allow Coventry to compete in National One.
 
Having been through administration with Rotherham, Esher’s Mike Schmid understands what Coventry have been through this summer; ‘It certainly is a trying experience, but as a result of them coming out of it, one of the founding clubs within English Rugby can continue to thrive at the professional end of the game.’
 
Coventry start the season with the new management structure and Phil Maynard joins the Club as Director of Rugby. ‘Phil has worked with Pertemps Bees and Worcester in the past, so I know he’ll have them very well prepared and organised’ said Schmid.
 
Coventry have had a mixed early season, with a rocky start that saw a below strength squad miss out to Plymouth in August. A week later, a spirited and disciplined team performance frustrated the Cornish Pirates, only to be followed by a reality check at the weekend where a disappointing first half performance attributed to a 34-12 loss at Moseley.
 
Schmid is once again expecting a tough away fixture; ‘Last season Coventry gave us two very competitive games, at home we won narrowly and away we lost narrowly. We are expecting Saturday to be really tough, especially following their win over Pirates in their last home game.’
 
Watch out for ESHER LOOKING PRETY IN PINK.

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