On Friday 29th December under their fantastic new floodlights Twickenham RFC hosted the 2017 edition of the Chris Mapletoft Memorial Cup. This was the 5th year that Twickenham and Teddington have met in this U23's festive fixture. Not only is it an opportunity for supporters and families from both clubs to get off the sofa, get some fresh air and watch some Christmas rugby, It's also a fantastic opportunity for both clubs to engage with their returning students and also players who may have drifted away from the game since leaving school. And that's exactly what happened.

With honours even with 3 wins to each club this was always going to be a keenly contested affair. And the watching throngs weren't disappointed, as It was once again a cracking game that ebbed and flowed, but was played in great spirit and a credit to the memory of Chris Mapletoft. Teddington left it till the final quarter before finally overhauling a spirited Twickenham side. The final score was 29-17 and Teddington now take a 3-2 lead in the series. With both sides mingling together and comparing Christmas jumpers everyone disappeared into the bar for a well earned beer and to catch up on all the lates club news and gossip.

Man of the match was Antlers flanker Dan ROBERTSHAW and the Antlers squad was captained by Jason RICHARDS.

The next game will be played at Bushy Park during Christmas 2018, when we look forward to hosting the players and supporters of Twickenham RFC.