Esher 14 Richmond 30: An ecstatic Richmond Rugby Club are this week celebrating victory in the Surrey County Cup final which heralded their fourth successive league and cup double.

Unstoppable Richmond overcame Esher's second XV, of national league two, in one of their closest, and hard fought, wins of the season.

The visitors, who have clocked up 77 successive league wins, were given a stern test across all departments and were put under immense pressure in defence.

Territorially, Esher dominated the early stages yet found themselves 8-0 down after 15 minutes thanks to an exhilarating try by Richmond wing Tom Stokes, who outpaced the opposition from 40 yards.

Lewis Gunn kicked a penalty goal, and throughout was responsible for some astute line kicking when called upon. But Esher's pressure was rewarded when good back play resulted in a converted try.

Richmond regained control with their dominance in the line-out but were always at their most dangerous when attacking from deep.

Then came a crucial score on the point of half time as Stewart Barlow broke away at speed from a maul 20 yards out, and though superbly tackled, off-loaded to Taberner who touched down.

A Gunn penalty early in the second-half sent Richmond on their way again before Esher introduced replacements that resulted in a try for the home side.

Richmond appeared rattled as their lead was reduced to just four points however, a superb try from Ross Evans and a late Alex MacLennan effort sealed the trophy and double.

Richmond scorers: tries - Stokes, Taberner, Evans, MacLennan; cons - Gunn 2; pens - Gunn 2.

Richmond: Brown, Greally, Enright, MacLennan, Stokes, Gunn, Taberner, Allhusen, Cuthbert (c), Thomas (Gregory), Dixon (Hood), Head, Wilson (Evans), Barlow, Hallett.

London Division Two South champions Richmond play their final home game of the season against Andover this Saturday (3pm).