Not much different than driving to the Stoop to be honest

Does anyone who went last Saturday feel that that game should have gone ahead. In my opinion the only reason it did was that the pitch inspection was at 9.30. The pitch continued to get soaked for another 51/2 hours after that. If the inspection had been at 11 or 12 I doubt if we would have played.

The rain / sleet wasn't that heavy. Not sure why the pitch was so bad.

As I said earlier one of the community coaches told me that a drain had burst, even said then (after the game) that Thursday might be iffy. If that is the case though tell us.

I was quite surprised that Boots n'all didn't make a big fuss of this, just a brief mention.

I thought the pitch held up very well given there were parts with standing surface water and as it turned out was playable. Seems very strange indeed that we now have to move and only told it is now unplayable.

Yet you clearly implied that




So, we'll just sit and wait and see if the Bradford game's cancelled so we can ascertain if you are correct in your suggestion and then you have a go at the club anyway, or to see if we aren't moved for the QF, which will just go to show you up with your sweeping statements and to show us what a vindictive person you are who makes vile statements about individuals.

But we'll wait though, before mouthing off and passing any judgement. Maybe you should try that in future?

To be honest I was surprised the game went ahead seeing as the pitch looked so bad on Saturday from where i was sat in the stands - when I saw the highlights on tv, which gave me a much better overview of the pitch I really couldn't believe it was passed fit!

With respect GF you were not here and therefore did not see the state of the pitch at the weekend. I am amazed it was played on. They were still pumping water off as the teams came out to warm up. I should think every player on the pitch is now a qualified aquaglider and has beautiful skin...... Maybe the drain burst and made it even worse, maybe they thought the drain could be repaired in time and when professional drainage workers came along on Monday they infomed the club the drainage wa a muuh bigger job than first thought. Whatever I firmly believe we should not have played on it on saturday. Maybe as landlords so much damage was done they can't financially afford anymore damage and money for repairs. Whatever it is, there is no getting away from the fact there are problems with the pitch. Second point - the club tried everywhere to get a late date because THE PLAYERS wanted to go ahead, respect that and stop blaming GUS he manages to get into enough trouble on his own without this lot. Thirdly I think it is dreadful that all that is happening is that a small local rugby club are willing to help us out and all we do is slag it off. That is totally unfair to Esher. By the way did you not realise this is the area RL in the south east started from. Read the programmes and you will realise this is the very area 30 years ago that RL became a sport and a number of the youngsters we have coming through the ranks of Elmbridge Eagles etc atarted off here and at Thames Ditton which is a couple of miles down the road. I hope everyone gets behind the club and turns up - small club hosting - big party atmosphere if we allow it to be so. It's up to the fans to make the most of this - and no I am not for games on the road I hate them and wont go to them when they are premeditated but this is something which is forced upon us by circumstances beyond the club and fans control and I for one will support the team. I hope the players give the fans the game they deserve as it is their idea and their wish to play

Elmbridge Eagles are based in Claygate, about 2 miles from Esher RFC. In fact the club first started out as Ambleside in Walton - which happens to be less than a mile away from the ground, so I think this really counts as a Surrey heartlands game.

Let's get a good turnout, and hope we can pick up 2 points - fair play to Esher for helping us out I say!

While Esher's efforts are indeed laudable, the bottom line is that top-flight RL is being played at a ?third tier RU ground - not only does it make us look two bob but also it makes the entire sport look like it!



If we have to slum it then what about putting it off a day and doing a double header at Skolars? We always get a crap crowd home to Catatlans, we always get to play them at Easter so why not try and make the Easter home games double headers? Or has the London double header idea gone out of fashion?

How about the Catalans wanting to get back ASAP to prepare for Leeds on Monday. All their flights would have been booked. As I said earlier Wiggy didn't make a fuss on b and all last night. What could be embarrassing is if there is bad snow up north today and the airport derby is called off so they switch the sky cameras to our game to fill the tv slot



From Esher to the Etihad

If Catalans are due to play us here would it not make more sense for the RFL to have them play a second game in England over the Easter weekend? Rather than having them fly over for an away game and then back again for a home one in a couple of days?

Still think the game should have been postponed.

At least we have a bit of time to find a half decent venue for the Bradford game!

Sense and the RFL

.

Like let's have the 2 teams furthest away from Manchester kicking off the Magic weekend at noon.

Sorry PP what the flip was I thinking!

Apology accepted!

Surrey Heath (descendant of Ambleside and the club that became Elmbridge) were based at Esher RU for a couple of seasons in the 1990s. Won't go in to reasons for leaving but an oily substance played it's part !
This is far from being the first RL game played at Esher and not even the first RL game played on the pitch being used

What you want isn't always what you can get. Had the Stoop been playable I'd have been there, but the move to Esher means I shall miss seeing the Cat Dragons's visit - c'est la vie - whoever said life was fair?

Hope those that go enjoy a spirited Broncos performance. Be nice if it's a positive result, but I'm not holding my breath for a win.

I'm opting for the comfort of the girlfriend's sofa, Sky 1 and Rhinos v Bulls.

Let's hope the Stoop is fit for the Bulls game.

If it's not fit for the Bulls game at least I might be able to get my John Inverdale poster signed by the great man himself next Friday.

Don't really see why you would be OK to go to the Stoop, but not be able to get to Esher.

I'll be out there, even if it will be another cold one tonight

I think the club has missed a trick on moving the game to Esher. I have been past Esher Rugby Club 4 times over the last 2 days and there is no advertising for the game tonight. It does not cost much to get banners made up advertising the game and prehaps if local residents or past supporters had seen that the game was on at Esher tonight they would have come along. Molesey Road is a very busy road during the day so who knows how many additional people would have come along.

simple yes or no answer RB.

Was it Harlequins RFC who deemed the pitch unplayable?I say YES......based on the evidence available.

As for 'VILE" comments, I have stressed that I have no doubt the subject of my ire is probably a really nice fella,but professionally AND IN MY OPINION he's not the man to lead the Broncos. I have requested guidance from the owners of this forum as to if I have stepped over the mark and as yet, I have not.

Please feel free to answer the question above before jumping on me for stating what the majority of fans on here think....the current CEO is not up to scratch!

Could be worse! www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21882086

Could be worse! www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21882086

Read what I'd written a few pages back.



This has never been an argument. My point is about your rush and need to come to a finger pointing conclusion based on your prejudices against the club and the CEO. You still haven't proven to be wrong just yet. So relax. If Broncos move their game against Bradford for the Quins to then play their QF two days later. Then you'll be right. If you're wrong in your haste. Well. You'll be shown to be wrong, again. We know the failings of the CEO. But unlike the majority of us who don't think he's doing a good job, you choose to print vulgar comments about the CEO copping one up the gary or implying he sucks off the boss which have nothing to do with him professionally. Well. That speaks volumes about you and is rather unnecessary

Esher RFC was more than adequate for the crowd in attendance and actually provided for a decent atmosphere. Pitch was in good condition, if anything looked a bit dry !!

Dry pitch at esher makes you wonder why we moved from the stoop