Schmid represented Canada in the 2003 World Cup

Coach Mike Schmid says Esher have taken the pressure off themselves by winning both of their opening matches in the Championship relegation pool.

Esher lead the four-team group after beating Plymouth 38-15 on Saturday.

He told BBC Surrey: "There's loads at stake. Financially, for the credibility of the club and the players themselves.

"It takes the pressure off a little bit with two wins in the bag. It allows us to concentrate on playing. Being in control of our own fate is key."

He added: "We don't need any help from anybody, we need to stay focused on what we are doing."

With only the bottom side being relegated from the Championship, the former Canadian international thinks victory away to bottom side Moseley on Friday would almost guarantee survival.

"Ideally if you win four games, no-one is going to catch you," Schmid said.

"If we win at Moseley with five points and they get nothing, you open up a 15-point gap.

"That would mean they'd need to win all three remaining games with a bonus point to catch us. Realistically, you probably are safe.

"We want to show people we deserve to be in the Championship."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version