Both sides went into this one with unbeaten league records, so something had to give as Teddington welcomed Old Whitgiftians to Bushy Park on Saturday. Preparations weren’t ideal for the home side, losing players in the morning and during the warm up, but with improved strength in depth this season, a rejig in the starting line up caused minimum disruption as the home side applied the early pressure. A line break from fly half Bob BEEVERS allowed flanker Stuart RIDLER to show his pace and cross for a try in response to an early penalty kick from Old Whits. It was then the reliable boot of Bob BEEVERS who stretched the Antlers lead out to 11-3 at the break as the hosts pressure was turned into points via two successful penalties. Regular supporters of Teddington will know that games in this league are rarely won by half time, and so it proved again as the visitors hit back in the second half, recycling the ball well and setting up camp deep in our territory. They were rewarded with a try which pulled the score back to 11-10, but Teddington didn’t fold, and ultimately it was their aggressive organised defence and the ability of Bob BEEVERS (pictured) to convert every kicking opportunity into points which saw the Antlers home. A penalty and a drop goal from BEEVERS stretched the score to 17-10, and although a late score by Old Whits made for a nervy final 5 minutes, Teddington held out to preserve their 100% league record.
Final Score Teddington RFC 17 Old Whitgiftan RFC 15. Man of the Match Stuart RIDLER.