Teddington 21 Aylesford Bulls 2s 0

Played in perfect conditions at Bushy Park, Teddington scored three tries but were left rueing what could have been more after dominating possession and territory in the game.

Nonetheless, this was another fine win for Antlers who utilised a full squad of 22 players and showed glimpses of the team they are developing into.

It was also another excellent defensive effort and Teddington have now just conceded five points in the league campaign so far.

The game started at a quick pace and Teddington found themselves inside the opposition’s 22 immediately. An injury to winger Charley Hall, who had to be replaced by Hannah Fray, made it a stop start opening few minutes and Teddington thought they had scored early through Emma Davis, only for the referee to deem the ball held up.

A series of scrums gave Hollie Blenman space to come close out wide and after some forward thrusts and good carries from the likes of Laura Semple, Aimee Miller dived over out wide. Laura Parry added an excellent conversion.

Antlers should have scored again shortly after but a few spills meant the ball was turned over and cleared.

A good solid scrum though set a great platform for Clare Brown to score the second as she ran a great line to touch down under the posts. Parry converted and Antlers went 14-0 up.

Bulls enjoyed their first real spell of possession before halftime, with Antlers penalised a number of times at the breakdown, but some tenacious tackling from Emma Davis and Heather Smith meant they never really threatened the Teddington line.

Teddington started the second half strongly with Semple, Smith and Davis all involved in some nice offloading but they were guilty of wasting two clear overlaps out wide and Aylesford managed to scramble and defend.

With scrum after scrum being called, Antlers finally used the opportunity close to the line to switch play and send Brown over again for another well finished try and the conversion meant the win was safe at 21-0.

Antlers then used the opportunity to ensure that all of their bench got some game time and though they didn’t really threaten the line again, in the end it was a hard fought win with signs of real promise ahead of tougher challenges ahead.