Despite the ideal playing conditions for a mid-January day, Teddington were slow out of the blocks from the onset. An agonising injury inside the first ten minutes for hooker Sam RAWSTHORNE, meant the game was put on hold causing further disruptions to Teddington's starting pack.

Old Whitgifitans were physical, well-drilled, and played very tight causing distress to Teddington's pack through the game. The Antlers fought hard in defence at times, but their mistakes allowed the opposition to capitalise on Teddington's errors and creep up on the scoreboard.

A solid boot from Old Whit’s fly-half affirmed their strong lead but, Teddington displayed some great ideas going forward - several first-half breaks meant they were close to the try line, however, it was their execution that they lacked on the day meant they weren’t able to get their foot in the game.

It was a difficult afternoon, the breakdown area was scrappy and both sides struggled to get clean ball away. However, it was the Antlers who unfortunately didn’t have the upper hand on the day, with their only try coming from debut Zion HUNT, who at the age of just eighteen put in a performance to remember. From minute go, he made an impact on the game and finished off by nicely beating several of Old Whit's defenders to have the last say of the game.

Teddington are aware it hasn’t been the start to the year they would have anticipated, but they are keeping their heads held high, hoping for a strong start and an even stronger finish next week. Final Score Old Whitgiftians 34 Teddington 7

1st XV Match Report by Harry RELF.

Elsewhere the 2nd XV entertained Old Paulines, who we were very grateful to for stepping in at the last minute to replace our scheduled opponents who called off on Friday. OP's were a bit short on numbers, but in time honoured rugby tradition we lent them a few and got the game on. And what a game it was. Too many Teddington try scorers to recount (on both sides), but it took a Steve JONES conversion with the last kick of the game to tie the scores at 38-38.

The Lion 1st XV Man of the Match this week goes to Jack DICKSON. Not for the first time this season the scrum half got through a mountain of work despite being on the losing side.

For this week only there were two The Hogarth 2nd XV Men of the Match. Richard GREEN and Angus BRAY both enjoying good performances in the points fest at Bushy.

Finally, the Colts got back to winning ways on Sunday after finally relinquishing their unbeaten record last week. They triumphed at Ruislip 19-12.

Senior MENS training this Thursday @ 7.30pm, Udney Park Road Playing fields. New and returning players are always welcome.