Esher captain Bullett eager to take aim at National One
ADAM Bullett is relishing the challenge of going into National One next season and says it’s the level Esher want to be playing at after seeing off Redruth’s challenge to be crowned kings of National Two South.
The Surrey-based club secured promotion last weekend with a stylish 55-24 win against Rochford Hundred to secure the title.
The title race went down to the final day with Redruth pushing them all the way and second row Bullett made sure his side didn’t fall into the trap of underestimating Rochford.
He said: “No disrespect to Rochford but we were expected to win and that also means we could have become complacent and get ahead of ourselves.
“It was a big challenge, and we got the mindset right from the off and we played some good rugby. We were really chuffed to get over the line and the celebrations started straightaway.”
Now the 26-year-old is excited at the challenge ahead next season.
“We’re all aware it’ll be a huge step up but it’s the level and standard where we want to be playing at,” said Bullett. “We’re chomping at the bit to get back to preseason training and hopefully it’ll be another good season for us.”
Esher made Molesey Road a fortress as they won 14 out of 15 at home and Bullett says that was the target at the beginning of the season.
He said: “Most teams target their home games and if you can pick up some wins on the road that’s great but every successful
team target making their ground a fortress. Playing at home in front of our big, passionate crowd is just massive for us.”
Esher’s title challenge looked to be slipping away after defeats to Henley and Hinckley in February but their win over Reduth was pivotal.
Bullett said: “We’ve had some huge moments this year; Redruth away was a massive win for us as that gave us the confidence to go on the winning streak we did.
“Sam Morley’s last-ditch kick against Henley to win by a point and also Dan Rowlands’ try in the last minute to win against Worthing were also such huge moments and contributed so much to the overall outcome of the season.”
Former England flanker Peter Winterbottom rejoined the club as director of rugby in 2019 following their relegation from National One and Bullett is enjoying being leader of such a talented group under such an esteemed boss.
He said: “There’s players in our squad with far better rugby CV’s than me, so captaining has been a privilege and proven easy. Wints has got the rugby pedigree and it’s been great playing under him. When he speaks we all listen.”