Schmid has Esher board's backing (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Schmid has Esher board's backing

5:04pm Thursday 10th November 2011 in Esher By Mark Bengoechea

Director of rugby Mike Schmid has insisted he has the backing of the Esher board despite his side’s nightmare start to their Championship campaign, writes Mark Bengoeshea.

The Molesey Road outfit’s season hit a new low as they crashed 32-17 at fellow strugglers London Scottish – a 10th straight league defeat.

But the embattled Schmid, whose injury-plagued side host Leinster in British & Irish Cup on Saturday, is up for the fight.

“I still cannot fault the boys for their effort, desire and passion and as long as we keep fighting, we will get out of this,” he said.

“The guys have shown character, despite the results, and it has brought them together as a group.

“You are always under pressure as a coach, but I think the board understand the situation.

“That does not make it any easier as a coach, but I am working as hard as I possibly can.”

Esher, who scored tries through Richard Mill and Mark Atkinson on Saturday, saw lock Ian Kench added to their lengthy injury list on Saturday as he suffered a shoulder problem that could rule him out for six weeks.