Esher chief executive Mike Schmid is hoping there is a case to appeal prop Ollie Mines’ three month suspension – because his absence will only hit the club in the pocket.

The 25-year-old picked up the punishment last week for after pleading guilty to punching or striking an opponent in last season’s 32-17 National Division One triumph over Richmond on April 26.

Schmid felt the punishment, which will see Mines unavailable until the beginning of November at the earliest, was a little harsh and is considering a challenge to the ruling.

And the Molesey Road chief, who has already seen prop Stewart Maguire join Championship side London Scottish this summer, admitted the club could ill afford his absence.

“When we found out he had been cited by Richmond we were very surprised,” said Schmid, who welcomes his men back to pre-season training this weekend.

“We did not feel the punishment fitted the crime. It was a punch thrown at player who was holding Ollie back and keeping him out of the game. The mitigation process did not go our way.

“We are looking at it and if there is room for an appeal then we will look at it.

“It is disappointing because we were looking for Ollie to push on and establish himself in the front row and be the main replacement for Stewart.

“Props are very valuable commodities in today’s game. It is a financially valuable position to be playing if you are good.

“Good props are worth their weight in gold.”