G's v Teddington

Going into the game after a good week's training, the coaches jobs were done and it was up to the boys in blue to follow through on the game plan. A great kick by the Teddington 10 and a poor East Grinstead catch, put pressure on G’s from the off. Teddington were able to capitalise on some bad decision making, to stretch the defensive line wide, however the backs shored up well. Some quick movement around the breakdown allowed Teddington to scramble over the line and score the first points of the afternoon.

Under the sticks in the first two minutes was not the start G’s had planned. It looked as if this may be another typical Teddington result.

A great kick-off by Dan Poulton, and recovery from Sam Lindsey, gave East Grinstead their first chance to run at the Teddington defence. With the usual powerful East Grinstead scrum, Dan Poulton used his trusty boot, kicking behind the Teddington line. Some hard running by both the backs and forwards soon resulted in a penalty kick for Oli Billin to slot over for three points.

Teddington, who were very quick to move the ball from the breakdown through the hands, managed to quickly secure the next points on offer, as their 15 managed to jink his way around the East Grinstead defence to take the score to 3 - 14.

With the game not finding any rhythm, it was back and forward, with both teams trying to break their oppo’s defences down. Great tackling by the backs, with a special mention to Ben Saunders for pegging his opposite number back at every opportunity, and Aaron and Connor for some fast hard running at the Teddington defenders, meant G’s were more than holding their own, and it wasn't until some sloppy breakdown defence led to an easy run for the Teddington 9 around the ruck, with some slick off loading to get them over the try line again.

With the end of the first half fast approaching, Teddington fancied one more run at the East Grinstead line off the back of a well-worked lineout drive, taking it wide fast and attacking the corner post with pace and power to get the pill over the whitewash once more. Half time 3 - 24

Into the second half, a pumped up East Grinstead earned themselves an early penalty. Knowing converted trys were the only way back into the game, kicking for corners was a must, then leaving it to the forwards to do their job in the line out. Teddington competed very well in this department, making it extremely difficult and knowing the game was won if they could run the clock down. With Grinstead forwards making ground with every run, and the whole team being as solid as a rock, Teddington had no other options but to kick, with the frustration soon showing with some poor out-of-hand kicking.

East Grinstead soon capitalised. From a solid scrum and very poor chip by the Teddington 10, which Jake Radcliffe brilliantly caught and made a sparkling run through the heart of the Teddington line. With Dan Poulton screaming for the ball out wide, Ryland Thomas took the dubious decision to put quick ball through the hands. Some sublime quick passes through the hands (a clear result of all those training drills), resulting in Oli Billin dotting down. Kick converted 10 - 24.

The game continued in a relentless fashion, with neither team willing to give up until the very end, a reckless penalty by Ryland allowed Teddington the final points of the game for a converted penalty.

Final score a hugely respectable 10 - 27 and respect earned from our visitors who stretch their unbeaten run. A great game of rugby by both teams and ideal preparation for the massive away game at Eastbourne next Saturday.

MoM - Connor Leggat
DoD - Brimo (for his Cirque de Soleil acrobatics)