Old Blues vs Teddington

As a final pre-season match before the league starts, we welcomed Teddington RFC to Motspur Park. As champions of Surrey 2 last year, we knew that we would be set a yardstick for where we want to be this season, and we were not disappointed. Teddington provided very physical opposition and our defensive lines had to be tight to stay in the game; as such it was a massively worthwhile exercise. The game started quickly with No 8 Peter Sharpe winning quick ball which we spun out wide. James Mitra was over for the score with just one minute on the clock, and the game was on. Ten minutes later, we found ourselves on our line, and following quick tap ball, the Teddington no 8 barrelled over to put them back in the game. 5 minutes before half time the quick Teddington back line combined well to score under the posts, and we were on the back foot. However, Old Blues stalwart Stu Hale managed to charge down a clearance kick to score a try just before half time and we were back in it. Fine kicking from 'Homme du Match' James Mitra saw the Blues take advantage of Teddington's indiscipline, and the lead changed hands twice in the second half. However, whilst in the Teddington 22, their winger took fine advantage of a floated pass and intercepted to run a score in under the posts. With the score at 23-21 in favour of the Blues, we looked to hang on for a fine victory, but an overlap in our 22 saw Teddington score with just a few minutes to go. The match finished 28-23 to Teddington, but our disappointment in losing was tempered by the fact that we showed great spirit and kept our discipline in defence. On to the league!