This was one of those days where the weather had the upper hand. The rain and biting wind arrived on cue for the kick-off and didn’t relent for the full 80 minutes, meaning this was a contest defined by grit and patience rather than the flowing rugby that has highlighted the Antlers recent league outings.
Teddington’s task was made harder by a host of enforced changes in their backline, with several regulars unavailable. Tom WILLIAMS and Josh McKIERNAN were the only two who returned following the win over Grasshoppers two weeks ago but there was a warm welcome back for scrum half James FRANKENBERGER after a couple of years away from the club. There was also a 1st XV debut for Owen WILDGOOSE at fullback
The opening half was a story of Priorians dominance in possession. Their big forwards controlled the tempo, hammering away at the gain line and recycling good ball. As is often the case Teddington’s defence was resolute. Time and again, the visitors absorbed the Priorians heavy traffic, but their lack of possession was clearly hampering them as the game progressed. Eventually the hosts made it count when they went over in the corner on 20 minutes. This seemed to kick start Teddington into action, and they replied almost immediately, when FRANKENBERGER showed some quick thinking to level the scores. Five minutes later Priorians got their noses back in front – this time converting their try to take a 12-5 lead, but the Antlers refused to go away as George YOUNG crashed over on the stroke of half time, giving David BRADFORD a simple conversion under in front of the posts to level at 12-12 at half time.
The second half brought no respite from the weather, but it did bring a shift in Teddington’s approach. The visitors abandoned any attempt to get any width to their game and instead reverted to a pick-and-go game. Jacob HOLT and Olly HOLLAND were at the heart of this, repeatedly making dents in a committed Priorians defensive wall. It wasn’t long before HOLT got over for the Antlers third try and they had their noses in front for the first time. Alas the lead didn’t last though, and the home side wrestled back control of the ball. Crucially they were slightly better at turning their possession into territory and inevitably points. Two more trys came the way of the hosts, both of which were converted in challenging conditions. Teddington needed a converted try to level the game as they started to turn the screw again with their close quarters game. Teddington’s scrum was now firmly in control as they asked more questions of the Priorians defence. After being camped in the home sides 22 for numerous phases, they eventually knocked on allowing Priorians to relieve the pressure and play out the final couple of minutes before the final whistle.

One that got away from Teddington, but Priorians deserved the win, as they managed to control possession and ask more attacking questions over the course of the 80 minutes. Credit to both sets of players though for digging in and taking the game to the wire in awful conditions. A losing bonus point for Teddington who will regroup before next week’s trip to Beaconsfield.

Final Score - Old Priorians RFC 24 Teddington RFC 17. Man of the Match Olly HOLLAND.