Backs coach Craig Chalmers insisted all was not lost after Esher slipped to third in the National Division One table, writes Paddy von Behr.
 

Chalmers’ side crashed to a 19-11 defeat at title rivals Doncaster Knights on Saturday, but have little time to lick their wounds as they head to second-placed Rosslyn Park this weekend.
 

The former British & Irish Lion reckoned the title race would not be decided in November, but his men had to bounce back quickly.
 

“There is a long way to go and nothing is won or lost now but we can put a statement out and we had hoped to do that at Doncaster,” he said.
 

“Park have got a good defence and they are very strong up front.
 

“We need to get our systems working and if that happens I am quite confident.”
 

Defeat at the weekend was frustrating as Esher failed to capitalise an 11-7 first half lead that came from a Dave Millard try and two Luke Daniels penalties.
 

And it was Saturday’s best bits that Chalmers wanted his side to repeat.
 

“We played really, really well for 25 minutes but we just didn’t take the opportunities,” he added.
 

“They ground it out – it was disappointing because I look at it as a chance missed. We were as good but we didn’t take our chances.
 

“We wanted to play quickly, but we couldn’t look after the ball for long enough. We have things to work on, but I couldn’t fault our commitment.”
 

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