After a couple of weeks off, Teddington clicked straight back into gear with a comprehensive 35-7 win over Old Haileyburians RFC at Bushy Park on Saturday.

The rugby in the first 30 minutes was probably some of the best the Antlers have played this season, as they moved the opposition around the park with some quick recycling, lovely handling and deft offloading.

The league leaders raced into a 21-0 lead thanks to a brace of tries from Harry Smith and a debut try from Joe Stainer. Bob Beevers converting all three.

At that point, lesser teams may have rolled over, but Old Haileyburians dug in and started to get a foot hold in the game. Their first up and scramble defence was frustrating the Antlers and the hosts had to wait until mid-way through the 2nd half until the try bonus point was secured; Beevers converting his own try to make tit 28-0.

Old H's again came back at Teddington, setting up camp in the home sides 22. The desire to keep the visitors out was impressive, but eventually the pressure paid and Haileyburians were rewarded with a deserved try which was duly converted.

Not to be outdone, Teddington stormed back looking to end the game on a high. Some last ditch defending, again thwarted the Antlers, but eventually 2nd row Jack Valentine found an overlap out wide, plucked the ball out of the air one handed and crashed over for the final score.

Beevers converted from the touchline to complete another perfect kicking display. Its been a fantastic start to the season for Teddington, who are now 10 from 10 in the league, and credit must go to the coaching & physio staff and players across the whole squad.

There are some real challenges coming up over the next few weeks; ones which if overcome, will leave the club in a very strong position going into 2023. 

Final Score Teddington RFC 35 Old Haileyburians 7. Man of the Match Joe STAINER.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Teddington 2nd XV travelled to Lightwater RFC with a strong squad for a Surrey Merit Table match. In an action packed encounter, Teddington came from behind and turned on the style in the second half to secure an impressive victory. 

Final Score Lightwater RFC 22 Teddington 2nd XV 44. Man of Match jointly awarded to Steve JONES & George HARRISON.

 On Sunday the Teddington RFC COLTS again fielded two sides, and the success continued with a 28-0 victory over Battersea Ironsides Colts in the Waterfall Cup Final.

Not an inch was given by either side in the 1st half which turned around at 0-0, but the Antlers put on the afterburners after the break to claim the trophy. In the other Colts game, Teddington went down 26-12 to local rivals Harlequins Amateurs, but in a game where injuries saw them go down to 13 men, it was a great effort from the boys in difficult circumstances.