The first league games of the new season for Teddington RFC ended with a victory for the 1st XV, but with the 2nd XV falling short. Teddington RFC chairman Simon Davis reports on the Antlers' opening weekend.

The first league encounters got underway on Saturday at a busy Bushy Park, as the 1st XV hosted Old Rutlishians and the 2nd XV welcomed Bec Old Boys.

It hass been a busy pre-season, with lots of new faces integrating into the playing squads. The Antlers gave a number of 1st XV debuts for this one, all of whom acquitted themselves very well in what was a full bloodied contest.

Old Rutlishians are familiar opponents, with honours even between the two clubs in last season's league match ups this was always going to be a tight one.

The first 20 minutes was a cagey affair. What chances that did develop were spurned by both sides. Teddington eventually made a period of pressure tell, when they worked the ball to the left wing, and powerful winger George Bradford ran in to score on his league debut. Bob Beevers converted and Teddington began to establish some authority.

Just before a half time, the forwards established good position in the opposition 22, and after a series of drives, flanker Rory Mercer stretched out to ground the ball over the line.

Turning around at 12-0 to the good, and playing down the slope, the Antlers felt the game was there to be won. Never that easy though, as Old Ruts came back at the hosts.

Their dominance after the break resulting in a penalty and the deficit reduced to 9. At that point, it felt like the next score would be significant, and to the delight of the home support it went to Teddington. Again the ball was moved to the left wing, and Bradford ran in his second to mark a memorable afternoon for the new boy.

The visitors never gave up though and the rest of the game was fiercely contested. With minutes remaining they got the try they deserved and with the conversion, clawed the score back to 17-10.

Ruts could sniff a draw and pinned Teddington back in a nervous end to the game, but the Antlers held out and claimed the 4 points as the final whistle went.

We look forward to the return fixture at Old Rutlishians, which will no doubt be equally as close. Final Score Teddington RFC 17 Old Rutlishians RFC 10. The Hogarth and Lion Man of the Match – Dan ROBERTSHAW.

The 2nd XV went into their opening league fixture against Bec Old Boys full of confidence after last weeks convincing victory over Sutton & Epsom, however it was the visitors who took the early initiative and built a healthy lead.

A strong second half comeback was a positive and bodes well for the rest of the season. Tries from skipper Jasper GIBB (2), Stephen JONES and Ali BRACE weren't quite enough to rescue the result. Final Score Teddington 2nd XV 24 Bec Old Boys 2nd XV 33.