Another nail biting game at Bushy Park which saw a try by Teddington straight from the kick off, this was followed quickly by Trojans taking the lead less than 1 minute later. Once again this game was another topsy turvey affair with the result not decided until the final play of the game.
Antlers second row Elliott FRASER reacted like a crazed giraffe as he chased the kick off, he caught the misguided Trojans tap down and galloped 40 yards for the quickest try ever scored at Bushy Park. There was less than 10 seconds on the clock. But as is becoming the norm we immediately conspired to allowTrojans straight back into the game. They crossed the whitewash at the other end with less than 2 minutes of the game played. So once again the gathered throngs were buckling themselves in for a roller coaster ride.

Strangely it was another 15 minutes before the scoreboard was troubled again. This time a lovely passage of play which swept down field and was finished off by Antlers fly half Bob BEEVERS. The remainder of the half saw Antlers in the ascendenscy with plenty of ball and territory, but unfortunately we missed a couple of gilt edged chances and kept conceding penalties. Even though the scrum was coming under increasing pressure the lineout was working and the omens were looking good and on the stroke of halftime BEEVERS slotted a penalty making the score 13-7 at the break.

Just before the break Ferg FARRELL was introduced from the bench for Sam KING whose bout of midweek food poisoning was starting to catch up with him. Feng added some weight to the front row and would hopefully be used for some of his destructive carries around the breakdown. This had the desired effect and after 5 minutes of the re-start Ferg crashed over the line for a try and with a BEEVERS conversion the score was a more comfortable 20-7. But Trojans weren't going to lie down, they started to defend with more purpose and with some deft kicking and strong running of their own were putting Antlers under pressure. After 12 minutes a Trojans try brought the score to 20-12. On 31 minutes further Trojans pressure and an excellent kick and chase resulted in a yellow card for Antlers hooker Rory MERCER (playing the man without the ball) and a penalty try for Trojans. It was 20-19 and both sides were now playing for the 4 try bonus point win, albeit with Antlers having to do it with 14 players on the pitch and Trojans were smelling blood.

In the final minute of the game the ball was swept wide out right and returning son Tor DAHL-NEILSON, who was playing his first game of the season danced his way over for a fine try, The conversion was missed but the unlikely 4 try bonus point win was ours. Great credit to Trojans who on another day could have snatched the spoils themselves.

Another victory built on commitment to the cause by the whole squad of 18 players. Well done boys....

Antlers MoM - Stu RIDLER