Rams Captain Robbie Stapley believes his side have taken another step forward this season, regardless of whether they end as champions or runners-up.
Rams did everything they could in securing a bonus-point 33-19 victory at Esher on Saturday but must now wait to see if Cambridge can repeat the trick at home to Birmingham Moseley, a result which would see the Blood & Sand pip the Berkshire boys to the title based on more draws.
And Stapley explained: “When we started, each week we were winning but it was also about progressing and I think we’ve done that.
“We lost a few points here and there, but each time we bounced back and continued to improve. We’ve got better together and hopefully it can continue.
“This season has been another step in the right direction, no matter what the outcome is next week.”
Rams fell behind early on at Molesey Road as two Pierre Thompson tries, the latter added to by Sam Morley, gave the Eees a 12-0 lead after the first quarter.
Axel Kalling-Smith crossed with another superb finish, but Morley was again on target for 19-5 after Josh Jordan touched down.
Connor Stapley’s second try in three weeks, converted by Drew Humberstone, cut the gap to seven before the break, and despite the best efforts of the home side, second-half scores from Humberstone, Zach Clow and Ollie Monye sealed the deal.
Reflecting on the game, the skipper paid tribute to the relegated home side, stating: “It showed the character of our team, but fair play to Esher as well, the way they came out they showed how much it meant to them.
“We’ve been in that position fighting against relegation, and it makes you a special player trying to dig yourself out of those holes.
“The tempo they had at the start they probably couldn’t maintain and they were gutted afterwards, but equally we needed the five points and we got them. We’ve done all we can.”
Monye’s try was an absolute beauty as Henry Bird collected a clever Rowan Grundy chip before setting-up the replacement scrum-half, and the captain closed by commenting on the score and the magnificent support his side have enjoyed this season.
He ended: “We’re unpredictable in attack, it’s the way we like to be as a team.
“We can’t thank the supporters enough – it’s great to see them at all the games – and you see them everywhere, in supermarkets there are people talking to me and it’s just so nice.”
By Richard Ashton
