Going into the fourth round of fixtures, the league table is starting to take shape and unbeaten records were on the line for both sides in this one as Teddington made the short trip across the A3 to take on KCS Old Boys.

It's been 10 years since these two clubs last came up against each other in league action, and with KCS dropping down from the Regional 2 leagues last season it was a good test to see where the Antlers are, as they continue their recent upward trajectory.

The team was pretty much like the one that dispatched Trinity last week, apart from Josh McKIERNAN being promoted from the bench for his first start on the wing. Rory MERCER coming in on the bench.

The game kicked off on an unseasonably warm afternoon. KCS OBs applied the early pressure as Teddington failed to deal with the kick off, and they made use of their big ball carriers as they tested the Antlers defence.

Teddington defended well, eventually winning a penalty, and clearing their lines. It set the tone for much of the afternoon. The bedrock of Teddington's recent success has been an organised and fully committed defence and the ability to be clinical when chances come their way.

This was again evident as the early pressure was soaked up before Angus BELL went over to add to an early Bob BEEVERS penalty and stretch the Antlers out to an early 10-0 lead. Settling into the game, it wasn't long before Josh McKEIRNAN finished off a smart move in the right-hand corner to put Teddington in firm control.

KCS hit back though, showing a lot of patience as they hammered away at their opponent's line before eventually breaching it; but it was the Antlers who had the final say of the half as BEEVERS slotted another penalty and prolific try scorer BELL crossed for his second of the day, turning the Bushy Park side around 27-7 to the good.

The game took a feisty turn in the second half which resulted in the referee red carding one of the KCS players, and Max AITKEN crossed soon after to stretch the Antlers lead further.

Their reduced playing quota didn't deter the Old Boys and they were rewarded with a try after a period of sustained pressure. However, any Antlers supporters' nerves were soon settled by the youngest man in the line up as Josh McKIERNAN produced a superb solo effort for his second try of the afternoon.

To cap off the afternoon, it was scrum half BELL who exploited a gap on the blind side defence to scorch home from 50 yards: a well-deserved hat trick and man of the match performance from the number 9.

A stiff test passed with flying colours for Teddington who now sit top the league. Next week should be a real humdinger as neighbours Old Tiffinians make the short trip to Bushy Park.

Tiffs are in fine form themselves and should provide further indication of who the favourites for this league will be.

Final Score KCS Old Boys RFC 14 Teddington RFC 48. Man of the Match Angus BELL.