Teddington RFC pull of a remarkable comeback against Old Amplefordians
By Joe Acklam
13th Feb 2023 | Rugby
When Teddington hosted Old Amplefordians earlier in the season, they were provided with their stiffest challenge to date, so they knew this return fixture would be another big test of their title aspirations, and so it proved to be, in what turned out to be an almost carbon copy of that previous meeting.
Old A's are very good side, whose mid table position does not do them justice based on the two games Teddington have had with them.
They have strong ball carriers across the park and they put them to good use in a first 30 minutes where they had complete dominance. They scored three tries in that period, and stretched out to a 19-0 lead.
At that point they were possibly one score away from putting the league leaders out of sight.
Teddington had to score next, and they finally got some possession deep in Old A's territory and started to give their dangerous backs something to play with.
Max Aitken finished off a fine move, touching down under the posts. Bob Beevers added the extras the Antlers turned around 19-7 down, with some hope of getting themselves back into the game. The first minutes of the second half felt crucial.
If Amplefordians could score a 4th try it could have been game, set and match, however if Teddington could score next, the feeling was they'd have the momentum to turn it around.
With captain Jack Miller leading the way, a huge defensive effort across the team kept Old A's out and it was Teddington who pulled it back to 19-14 thanks to a try from Harry Smith.
The comeback was on, and the lead changed hands for the first time in the 60th minute when captain MILLER ran a great line to score under the posts; 19-21. The winning try came from Kerry BOYD, with a late penalty from BEEVERS cementing the win. This was a win forged out of belief and hard work.
Certainly not an 80 minute performance but a victory which could be crucial when the final standings are sorted out next month. Next week Teddington welcome Old Freemans to Bushy Park.
Final Score Old Amplefordians RFC 19 Teddington RFC 31. Man of the Match Jack Miller.
The 2nd XV fielded arguably their strongest line up this season when they hosted Old Blues 2nd XV, a side who had got the better of them before Xmas.
It was a different story this time around as the Antlers turned on the style, coasting to an emphatic victory.
The 2nd XV merit table is now looking very tight at the top with Bec Old Boys, Barnes Occasionals and Teddington all in with a shout of claiming top spot. Lots to play for as we head into the business end of the season.
Final Score Teddington 2nd XV 64 Old Blues 2nd XV 31.
Probably the highlight of the weekend was seeing the 3rd XV take the field for only the third time this season. Led by their new captain Paddy Tomlinson, the boys travelled over to Raynes Park to take an Old Emanuel squad, who thanks to their sizable numbers, lent Teddington a couple of players to get the game on.
It wasn't to be the Antlers day on the pitch, going down to their stronger opponents, but these are early days in re-establishing this side.
A great effort from everyone to get the game on, and we look forward to many more 3rd XV fixtures before the seasons out.
Final Score Old Emanuel XV 40 Teddington 3rd XV 0.
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