This, the final game 1st XV game of 2024 certainly provided some drama. The ending to this match, had the Antlers supporters biting their nails and brought back memories of that heart breaking cup defeat to KCS Old Boys back in April, but on this occasion the boys held on and secured their first back-to-back league wins since the end of last season. Traditional Irish hospitality was aplenty on Saturday, with 100’s of supporters from both sides braving the wet and windy weather to see this one. It was Teddington who started the brightest, picking right up from where they left last week and putting pressure on London Irish from the start. There was a first try in Antlers colours for Ali JOHNSTON followed quickly by another from Rory MERCER, sending the visitors into an early 0-12 lead. The weather was playing its part and Irish were struggling to get out of their own half. Second Row Will MARSON added a third try and Teddington went into the break 0-19 to the good. It was looking like another emphatic Antlers victory, but there was a shift to come in the second half. Like Irish in the first half, Teddington struggled to gain territory after the break. On 60 minutes, the hosts finally got over the line to bring the score back to 7-19, however the response from Teddington was immediate. Gabe ROBERTS got the ball in some space, and with some great footwork, cut back inside, before some deft handling led to Will MAVIN scorching under the posts. A wonderful try which looked to have put the game to bed, but Irish were having none of it. Teddington were soon reduced to 14 men, following their second sin binning of the afternoon, London Irish piled the pressure back on, and with the wind playing havoc with Antlers attempts to clear their lines there was no respite. Irish scored and converted two more trys leaving the score at 21-24 with 5 to play. The Gaelic drum was beating from the sideline now, as the pressure inevitable came on, and the hosts looked for the knockout blow. Finally, a penalty came for the visitors, who were defending deep in their 22 at the death, and the game was won. Two wins on the trot have certainly eased some pressure on Teddington in the league table, but it's clear that anyone can beat anybody in this league and the final standings are likely to go down to the wire. But for now, a famous win, against a grand old club. London Irish were fantastic hosts and hopefully we can renew our rivalry next season. Final Score London Irish RFC 21 Teddington RFC 24. Men of the Match couldn’t be split between Jack VALENTINE, Bob BEEVERS & Dan ROBERTSHAW

Photo by Simon RIDLER