By Pippa Field

A Michael Macfarlane hat-trick may have stolen the show, but Esher coach Craig Chalmers insisted Saturday’s win at Loughborough Students was his side’s best performance of the season thus far.

Ashley Smith and Brandon Walker added to Macfarlane’s haul as the Molesey Road men ran out 32-12 winners to keep them in the hunt for National League One promotion.

Esher are three points adrift of league leaders Doncaster Knights and one point ahead of third placed Rosslyn Park ahead of clashes with their two rivals this month.

And Chalmers admitted there remained plenty of hard work ahead of them to remain in the running.

“We have played well in spells this season. But I would say that was our most complete performance,” said Chalmers.

“A lot of the things we have been working on in training came out in the game and I would say we got our just rewards.

“We were patient, and accurate, in the contact areas, which is massive for me.

“November is a very big month for the club as far as our aspirations for promotion are concerned.

“We have not played that many teams up near the top this season, so it was certainly good to take our chances and get the result.”

Next up for Esher is the visit of second-bottom Tyndale before they face Doncaster Knights, Rosslyn Park and Coventry – all of which are currently in the top four.

“The next four games will define our season. We’re contenders for this league, but we have some big games coming,” added Chalmers.

SSE, proud sponsor of the RFU National and Divisional Leagues, has £10,000 of SSE Energy Credits available for clubs to win. To find out how go to SSERugby.com.