Another tough afternoon for Teddington on Saturday as they continue to get to grips with this new league. The Antlers latest opponents were Belsize Park, who have been established for a few seasons at this level. Belsize were very well drilled and similar to London Irish last week, showed Teddington that any mistakes made at this grade, wouldn’t go unpunished. Teddington, to their credit, took the game to their opponents from the off, making dents in the visitors organised defence, but as soon as the opportunity arose Belsize Park kicked to the corner and made sure their territorial advantage didn’t go to waste as they drove over for a 7-0 lead. Teddington came back, with a Bob BEEVERS penalty narrowing the deficit, before an uncharacteristic mix up in the Antlers defence let Belsize in for their second try. The Antlers never let their heads drop though and came back at Park, but their only reward was another BEEVERS penalty. Two more trys from the visitors just prior to the break, made any sort of comeback look improbable as the sides turned around at 6-28. Early in the second half the Antlers finally managed to cross the whitewash with Will MAVIN’s dart down the blindside catching out the Belsize defence, but two further conceded trys put the game to bed. Henry HUGHES late touchdown on his 1st XV debut was a well-deserved consolation for Teddington. A tough opening set of games for Teddington, but plenty of positives to take forward. A week off next week, before a further set of 3 league fixtures, and no reason not to be confident going into those matches. Final Score Teddington RFC 18 Belsize Park RFC 38. Man of the Match Jack MILLER.

Better day for the 2nd XV as they hosted KCS Old Boys at Bushy Park in their merit table game. Despite a few late drop outs the Antlers reorganised well and recorded a good win against Kings. There was a mightily impressive performance from Robbie HARTE who bagged himself 4 trys and not surprisingly the Man of the Match award. Final Score Teddington 2nd XV 32 KCS OB 2nd XV 21. Man of the Match Robbie HARTE.