Teddington staged another Houdini act on Saturday as they scored in the last play of the game to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against Old Haberdashers. The game was switched to the 3G surface at Wasps in Acton due to Old Haberdashers regular pitch being unfit. Despite some recent good form, Old Habs were still propping up the league in 12th position meaning this was a big game in their quest to climb out of the drop zone. Teddington’s win last week at Marlow had eased their own relegation fears, and they knew a win here would more or less ensure Regional 2 rugby next season. Unsurprisingly Old Habs started the game with real intent, and they were soon into a 7-0 lead. However, the Antlers looked dangerous with ball in hand as well, with centre Jack MILLER making significant yards in the early exchanges. It wasn’t long before a well worked backs move saw Josh McKIERNAN score under the posts to bring it back to 7-7. Haberdashers responded well to move into a 12-7 lead before Lucian GOULD crashed over and Bob BEEVERS added the additional points to put Teddington in front. The game was end to end, and the home side duly restored their lead with a third try before a pivotal moment came just before half time which allowed Old Habs to open up some daylight on the scoreboard – with Teddington threatening to break loose, a crucial pass failed to stick, giving OH’s the opportunity to pounce and take the score out to 24-14 at the break. Teddington started to dominate possession and territory in the second period leading to GOULD going over for his second try of the day. This coupled with OH’s second sin binning of the afternoon, and it started to look like Teddington were starting to turn the game in their favour. Further pressure from the Antlers resulted in a penalty in front of the posts and the 3 points were duly taken by BEEVERS. All square going into the last quarter but now it was Old Habs turn to start throwing everything they had to get the win. Their pressure resulted in some desperate defending, inevitable penalties and a yellow card for Teddington, putting the numerical playing advantage now back with the hosts. They took the points when Teddington infringed in front of their posts and steadied themselves to hold out for the win. Teddington went back at them, setting up camp in OH’s 22 for the final few minutes, but they just couldn’t get through the stubborn home defence. Eventually with the final play of the game, scrum half Will MAVIN darted over for the crucial score. Another nail-biting victory which pushes Teddington up to 7th. The defeat was cruel on Old Haberdashers who came very close to securing 5 points, but they are a strong side and there’s every chance they will get the results they need to survive if they perform like this. Teddington can now start to look up the league table now with 5 games of this campaign to go. Final Score Old Haberdashers RFC 27 Teddington RFC 31. Man of the Match Lucian GOULD.