Teddington travelled to Old Rutlishians on Saturday in an attempt to complete the perfect league season. Although the league title was secured a couple of weeks ago, this one felt as though it was the one that really mattered.

Old Rutlishians had given the Antlers a real run for their money in the opening game of this campaign and ever since then they have been on the league leaders tail.

A big crowd assembled for the final game, which didn't disappoint in terms of commitment and excitement.

Teddington started well, taking the game deep into Old Ruts territory, and they almost took an early lead, when Max Aitken just failed to get over the line following a smart line break.

Old Ruts bided their time tough and soaked up the pressure; when they got their opportunity, they were clinical when they used their pace outside to get the first score which they duly converted.

Teddington came back and with 5mins to go before the break, they turned pressure into points with a try from Rory Mercer, and although Bob Beevers couldn't convert, he calmly added a penalty moments later to ensure the champions turned around 7-8 to the good.

Spurred on by the home support, Old Ruts again took to the front after the break, with a converted try to lead 14-8, and when Teddington were reduced to 14 men after a sinbinning, the unbeaten record look in jeopardy. But again, Teddington came back, with Bob Beevers' astute kicking pinning the home side back deep in their territory.

A period of sustained pressure was finally rewarded, when scrum half James Frankenberger dummied from a ruck on the Old Ruts line and dotted down under the posts. Beevers converted and Teddington were back in front 14-15.

Now restored to 15 men, the Antlers had they tails up and another Beevers penalty extended the lead to 14-18. Both sides battered away at each other as the clock ticked away, but defences were on top, and the competitiveness at the breakdown thwarted many attacks.

Beevers continued to defy the windy conditions and put Teddington in good field positions, and they finally got a penalty in kicking range which the fly half coolly slotted.

The Antlers saw out the game to complete an unbeaten season that they can be immensely proud of. Much credit must go to Old Rutlishians who contributed hugely to this one, the best game we have been involved in this season.

Old Ruts were gracious in defeat, and no doubt the healthy rivalry between the clubs will continue over the coming seasons.

For both sides now, the attention will turn to the National Cup; for Teddington that means a return to Bushy Park next Saturday when they will host Bognor RFC in what hopefully will be another thrilling encounter. 

Final Score Old Rutlishians RFC 14 Teddington RFC 21. Man of the Match Bob BEEVERS.

Elsewhere on Friday evening the Teddington Vets played Chiswick Vets; Chiswick ran out deserved winners, and the Teddington Vets will now turn their attentions to running out at Twickenham next Sunday in aid of the RFU injured players. foundation.

There was no game for the women this week, but a massive Sunday for the Teddington RFC Colts, who had two teams competing for silverware at London Irish. The Teddington Colts B side ran out 22-12 winners in the Hampstead Shield Gold Final against London Welsh, whilst the A side overcame Old Rutlishians Colts 15-7 in the Quins Shield Gold Final.

A fantastic achievement for this young squad of players, and massive credit goes to coaches Josh Penberthy and Emmo Allen as well as the Colts management team.

There was also success for the U15's in their Cup final, whilst the U16's were narrowly edged out by Sutton & Epsom in their final.