With a new coach and new captain there are plenty of changes afoot at Teddington this season, but nothing was unfamiliar about the 1st XV’s performance as they had a strong run out against Old Rutlishians at Bushy Park on Saturday coming out 24-5 winners. Trys by Max AITKEN, Olly HOLLAND, Harry SMITH and Will MAVIN secured the win with new head coach Joao Lino giving a number of new recruits their first run out. Last year’s Colts captain Tom PUGH impressed when introduced to the fray in the first half and there were also strong debuts from the bench for Sean PARKINSON, Jonathan BAINBRIDGE and Ben SELWAY. Some things to work on for sure, but the Teddington defensive wall was well and truly intact. All in all a good afternoons work as the Antlers tune up for the league opener next week when they host Hemel Hempstead at Bushy Park. Kick off at 3pm.

The 2nd XV also had a preseason run out as they made the short trip over to Kingston RFC. The hosts put out strong squad which in the end had too much for Teddington, but a worthwhile run out with trys for Kit HEALES, Chris KENNEDY and Matt BUCKINGHAN. Next week the 2nd XV make the even shorter trip to play local rivals Old Tiffinians.