The Fat Stags / Old Isleworthian Vets started their season with a dramatic, last minute win over perennial opponents Grasshoppers. A balmy Friday night under lights on Grasshoppers 4G pitch witnessed a full-blooded contest between two committed teams, neither of whom was prepared to lose.
Up front the larger Grasshoppers pack found the cannier Stags to have the edge at scrum time, despite - or perhaps because of - a front row with a combined age of 173. In the backs 'Hoppers had some very powerful runners who were manfully contained by the Stags' back line with some uncompromising defence.
After a bright start and early try the Stags were found guilty of a few lapses of concentration that saw the hosts run in some soft tries to enter the final minutes six points ahead. A smart try from Tyler Blakeney brought the Stags to within one point, before a turnover at the breakdown and some great handling in midfield allowed man of the match Chris Coulling to break free on the right wing and score a magnificent solo try to complete his hattrick. The missed conversion was the last act of the game which finished 29-33 to Teddington / Old Is.
Being a friendly the over 35s rule was relaxed for this game and thanks must go to Tyler, Oli George, Chris Lidington and George Stoner who came on board and made their debuts.
Prior to kick off a minute's silence was observed in memory of our fallen friend and teammate Nick Timms who played with distinction for Teddington and The Fat Stags for many years: this win is for you Timmsy.