Teddington in sparkling form

For Teddington It’s been a fairly stuttering start to the season, in the previous games there have been glimpses of the rugby that we know we can play and want to play, but also plenty of mediocrity and indecision. On Saturday we finally bloomed.

Teddington unusually started the game with direction and purpose. Fly half Chris Dickson getting the backs involved right from the get go and the forwards showing plenty of desire. On the 10 minute mark Teddington right wing Brant Palin screamed in for the first of his 4 try haul. He added his second on 17 minutes, this time finishing off a weaving 60 metre dash by our diminutive ex Portuguese international Filippe Saldanha. On 22 minutes the Teddington forwards wanted to chip in and scored a satisfying 20 metre catch and drive from a lineout. Martin Donnelly was at the helm of the bus and duly crashed over the line.

At this point Effingham stirred and started to play some excellent rugby themselves. They breached the rather disorganised Teddington defence twice in as many minutes and with half an hour gone it was 19-17

Teddington restored a more comfortable gap just before the break when centre Liam Lonergan breezed over. The conversion was completed by Josh Stevens, but the first half scoring frenzy was not complete. Effingham scored their third try and the stroke of half time. It was 26-24 to Teddington at the break with all to play for.

The second half was not as high scoring but just as compelling for the watching hoards. Tries by flanker Sam Budd and two more from Brant Palin put an end to any Effingham come back but certainly showed intent on the way that the home side like to play rugby. A try on the final whistle by Effingham ensured they got at least a 4 try bonus point from a game that they played a huge part in.

The La Cloche Man of the Match was awarded this week to two players; Tom Collett our hooker and prop who tirelessly grafted away at the coal face for the full 80 mins and more obviously Brant Palin our 6’4” winger for his 4 try haul. Both receive vouchers for the La Cloche restaurant.