Fat Stags win at Old Isleworthians

A contest that was closer than the final score suggested, this was a match high on quality, commitment and good spirit. The opening twenty minutes proved to be decisive as the Fat Stags scored three tries without reply, demonstrating some excellent handling and a surprising turn of pace.

The Old Isleworthian fightback was ferocious and only some very physical defending prevented them from crossing the whitewash as they finished the first half with all the territory and possession but still scoreless.

The second half was equally keenly fought, with Teddington pouncing on some tiredness and errors to score two more tries. It was not until a rather harsh yellow card was brandished for persistent offences at the breakdown that the defence was finally breached and Old Isleworthians scored.

There were notable contributions up front in the tight five and from two debutant players from the U9s dads, Jack Harrison and Gareth Mapp, who showed no signs of rust and brought real dynamism to the back row.

In the backs Jonesy and Alain pulled the strings smoothly and Andy Caie put in a big shift in the centre up against an intimidating opposite partnership. In this he was manfully assisted by Yorkie Stephenson who gets a special mention for a quite superb tap tackle that prevented an almost certain try at a critical moment in the game.

It was an enjoyable game for a good cause, namely to celebrate the memory of OIRFC legend Tony Hawkes, and it was great to see so many guys turn out for a match that was watched by Tony's wife Helen and sons Richard and Martin who are all woven into the fabric of both clubs.

We all hope to be able to repeat the fixture next year and make it an enduring part of the season.