A run of five victories was in danger of ending when Esher went 24-17 down, with time beginning to run out against a side who had only suffered their first defeat of the campaign a week earlier.

But prop Theo Skoumbourdis proved to be the hero with a double strike, leaving Esher second and just three points behind leaders Oundle, the only side to have bettered them this season.

Full-back Darragh Walsh had sent the visitors ahead on 15 minutes, Matt Dalrymple making the first of two conversions – he is top points-scorer in the division on 59 – before adding the second try on 22 minutes.

Guernsey were level by the interval, though, first No 8 Iwan Shenton going over and then wing Anthony Armstrong, Gwyn Parks missing the first kick but landing the second to make it 12-12.

Armstrong struck for a second time within moments of the restart only for Jonah Giles to pull Esher back level on 51 minutes.

Flanker Matthew Creber sent the hosts back in front on 65 – Ciaran McGann converting – but the hefty Skoumbourdis ensured his side were not finished.

A pushover try on 69 kept Esher in the hunt and then – with Raiders down to 14 after lock Joshua Pullet was banished to the sin bin – he struck for a second and decisive time with a minute remaining.

A week off will give Esher a well-deserved rest before they prepare to entertain Jersey at Molesey Road on October 31, kicking off at 2pm.

Games to come (3pm unless stated) – October 31: Jersey (H, 2pm); November 7: Henley (A); 14: Colchester (H); 21: Old Albanians (A); December 5: Dorking (H); 12: Leicester Lions (A, 2pm); 19: Havant (A).

January 9: Canterbury (H); 16: Barnes (A, 2pm); 23: Westcombe Pk (H); February 6: London Welsh (A, 2.30pm); 13: Guernsey (H, 2pm); 20: Jersey (A); March 6: Henley (H); 13: Colchester (A); 20: Old Albanians (H); April 3: Dorking (A); 10: Leicester Lions (H); 17: Oundle (H).