Article by Joe Acklam

With the wet weather this week, it was touch and go, whether this one would go ahead, but the Bushy Park groundsman worked his magic and notwithstanding a few damp areas the pitch was in fine fettle and primed for some quality Antlers running rugby, which was exactly what the team delivered. 

Old Blues RFC were the visitors , a club with great history and tradition, but it was their more recent form that made the league leaders a touch wary going into this one; despite their position in the bottom half of the table they had won 2 of their last 3, and only coming up short last week to Purely John Fisher RFC. 

From the kick off the visitors were asking the early questions, keeping possession well and moving ever closer to the Antlers line. 

Teddington's defence held firm through organization and big hits, they managed to weather the early storm and when they did establish good field position they were clinical in their finishing. 

It wasn't long before George Bradford crashed over for the opening try following a great sniping run from scrum half James Frankenberger. 

Three try's followed, securing the bonus point before the break, the pick of them a wonderful flowing move finished out wide by full back Max Aitken. 

Turning around 26-3 to the good, the question was could Teddington put a marker down and secure a big score, something they've not quite managed yet this season. 

The answer was an emphatic yes, working the ball wide on numerous occasions, and bringing the afternoons try tally into double figures. 

The back 3 of Max Aitken, Harry Smith and Adam Causer deservedly grabbed the headlines, but a mention must also go to the front 5 who dominated the scrum all afternoon and provided the perfect platform for the backs to launch their attacks. 

Credit must go to Old Blues, who competed to the very end and were rewarded with a deserved try just on the final whistle. 

For the record the Teddington try scorers were Max Aitken (3), George Bradford (2), Adam Causer (2), James Frankenberger, Matt Poole and a Penalty try. 

The win cements Teddingtons position at the top of the league and boosts their points difference. A huge game coming up next week, when the Antlers travel to Chipstead RFC who have only lost once this season – when they visited Bushy Park last October. 

Final Score Teddington RFC 66 Old Blues 10. Man of the Match Rory MERCER.

The 2nd XV made the trip down into Surrey to take on Farnham after just coming up short last week. The reverse fixture earlier this season was an entertaining affair with the Antlers staging a fantastic comeback to secure the victory. 

With the wet weather and the mud this was a less expansive affair, but the result was still the same. Try's by George Harrison, Jasper Gibb and Tom Williams secured the win. 

Another massive fixture looms for the 2nd XV next week, as they welcome merit table leaders Bec Old Boys to Bushy Park. A win there would open the table right up as we approach the business end of the season. 

Final Score Farnham 3rd XV 7 Teddington 2nd XV 15.