The Middlesex Cup is for developing teams across the county and over the three rounds, Teddington had done enough to reach a final against Hamsptead 2s.

The competition has seen eight players in their first season of rugby take to the pitch for Teddington while also allowing players like Charley Hall make a return from long term injuries.

On the day, Antlers started strongly with good yardage being made up front by Cheryl Reynolds and Katie Brown. The rest of the forwards followed suit with aggressive rucking and strong support play from captain Toni Kershaw and Jess Tabram.

Camped inside Hampstead’s 22 for the first five minutes, Becky Piddlesden capitalised on an infringement to take a quick tap penalty to go over in the corner to get the first points on the board.

Confidence was running high after drawing first blood, with Nina Campbell re-gathering the following kick off to make off on a barnstorming run down half the pitch. However, a strong cover tackle from the Hampstead fullback stopped the second row from scoring.

Hampstead began to open up from the turnover, displaying some impressive pace out wide. Miriam Kauzlaricova and Michelle Devlin made some great cover tackles to keep the opposition at bay. Tiredness and lack of experience started to show in the Teddington side with the penalty count rising, allowing Hampstead to gain both territory and momentum. Hampstead then scored out wide with their speedy winger going in for a try in the corner, despite a valiant defensive effort from Jo Mair and Charley Hall. Just before the half time whistle, Mair re-gathered a testing kick to set off on a mazy run, shaking off numerous Hampstead players to go in uncontested under the post. The try was successfully converted by Amy Martin.

The half time talk focused upon cutting the penalty count and getting the ball to the backs!

Hampstead started the second half strongly, gaining good ground from their forwards, and particular mention goes to Phaedra Bailey for her tireless efforts at the breakdown. The 18-year-old Solly Warlow proved a great asset to the side, providing quick ball to the back line, allowing Martin time to distribute well to Nina Haidari who hit some great lines at 12. A momentary lapse in concentration in defence allowed space to open up for the Hampstead backs to create a mismatch allowing for their second score of the game.

An injury to a Hampstead player saw a delay in play but Kershaw was on hand to offer positive and motivating words in order to keep the squad both focused and hungry for more.

The break offered Teddington an opportunity to refuel, allowing Amy Montague and Hulya Karamanoglu to continue to make some great carries up front. The back line began to flow with Hall and haidari linking well to break the line. Following continuous pressure from the pack, Katie Brown scored from a crash ball at unstoppable range.

A series of strong scrums allowed Teddington to retain possession within the Hampstead 22 once again. Following a yellow card for a Hampstead player, Teddington looked to their forwards once again to continue their fantastic ball carrying up the field. This opened space for the backs to show their skills, with Vicky Ward proving to have great hands out wide but unfortunately another great tackle from the opposing fullback kept Teddington out once again. Another yellow card
for Hampstead in their 22 lead to Warlow performing her infamous show and go to score under the post - a well-deserved try for her fantastic game at 9.