This was a tricky game for Teddington – going to third placed Beaconsfield on the back of a defeat last week and with a completely reorganized backline, you could forgive the Antlers faithful for fearing the worst. In the end Beaconsfield triumphed, but there was so much for Teddington to take away from this one. For a second week on the trot, the backline was hit by injury and unavailability’s, giving coach Lino the opportunity to blood a few youngsters - Bodhi FENNELL and Thomas HAWKE came in for their debuts at scrum half and right wing respectively, whilst there was a late call up from the 2’s for left wing Ben SELWAY. In the pack former colt Matteo BASOMBRIO was also given his first league start. All the debutants played with confidence and made strong contributions to the game. Beaconsfield struck first, dominating the early possession and scoring after 5 mins. Teddington then controlled some possession of their own and soon won a penalty deep in home territory. Sensing this was a game where Teddington needed to keep the scoreboard moving, Bob BEEVERS opted for a successful shot at goal. 5-3 on 10 minutes. The game continued in an even fashion before Teddington turned a period of pressure into points when they worked the ball left for HAWKE to cross over to mark his first start with a try. BEEVERS added the extras, but the lead did not last long as the hosts struck back immediately to edge back into the lead. The Antlers were not letting their heads drop though as they used their more experienced pack to make dents in the Beaconsfield defence. On half time Henry HUGHES powered over from close range and Teddington led at the break.
Beaconsfield came out in the second half with the bit between their teeth, and they scored two trys within 10 minutes to open up a 7-point lead. The Antlers settled the ship, organizing their defensive line and turning to their prominent ball carriers, with Olly HOLLAND and Tom WILLIAMS both having excellent games. A penalty on 60 minutes allowed BEEVERS to narrow the gap to 4 and it was all to play for. Entering the last 10 minutes Beaconsfield crossed for their crucial bonus point try and with it a two-score lead. The Antlers powered back again, and Alfie RANSOM crossed under the posts to give BEEVERS a simple conversion and the lead was pulled back to 4 again. Time had run out for the visitors though and Beaconsfield held on for the victory which takes them up to second in the table. No win for Teddington, but a losing bonus point and more importantly some really encouraging performances from the guys who stepped up for this one. Success in this league is so much about strength in depth, and this is an area that the Antlers are certainly going in the right direction with. Next week sees Teddington return to Bushy Park for the visit of Aylesbury and with it the opportunity to return to winning ways.
Final Score: Beaconsfield RFC 31 Teddington RFC 27 Man of the Match Tom WILLIAMS