A fine first half performance from Teddington was ultimately the difference between these two teams. With a solid set piece coupled with a high tempo defence Teddington ran in three first half tries, two from flying left wing Jules Richardson and one from fly half Chis Dickson. Richardson who was plying his trade in the 3rd XV last season has been a revelation in pre season and has fully justified his inclusion in the 1st XV squad. He pounced on loose passes from the Exiles backs to sprint the length of the pitch, not once but twice in a dominant Antlers first half.

With the score 22-7 at the break confidence was high and a fourth try must surely come soon. It came, but not till the dying minutes of the game. Exiles worked their way back into this game, with some gutsy and organised rugby, but helped by gifts from a misfiring Teddington line out and a scrum that was finding it difficult to stay straight and off the floor. The game broke up and played into the hands of a powerful and quick thinking Exiles team. The score narrowed to 22-17 and with the game turning ever more frentetic and bad tempered the old Antlers problem started to reappear. The discipline wavered and Teddington looked nervous, especially when playing periods of the second half with only 14 players on the pitch. Both Stuart Ridler and Brant Palin being yellow carded.

In the end the belt was tightened and the ship steadied, a magnificent catch and drive from a line out saw the Antlers pack rumble over the line with Tom Doran in the driving seat and with the ball. The bonus point and winning try was finally scored. Cue a huge collective sigh of relief.

So plenty to be happy about, but still lots of work to do to get us moving up the league

Tries: Richardson J (2), Dickson C, Doran T
Pens: Boyling G
Cons: Boyling (2)