Eastleigh put Tedd to bed Eastleigh had to battle their way back into their clash at Teddington to hold on to their top spot in London 3 South-West at the weekend.

The Bishopstoke Road side regained first place with a dominating performance against promotion rivals Old Tiffinians a week ago but struggled to get to grips with their London hosts in the first half.

Teddington were in control for much of the first 40 minutes and held a 14-8 lead at the break – with Eastleigh’s points coming from Adam Gallagher. The centre picked up a cross-field kick from fly-half Phil Baldwin, who also kicked a penalty.

Eastleigh’s cause was not helped by the loss of flanker John Williams with a jaw injury and a head injury for fullback Matt Blackman.

A series of penalties brought the score to 20-14 in the home side’s favour before another cross-field kick produced an Eastleigh try – speedy wing Tyson Peters crossing in the corner. Eastleigh were beginning to dominate and when their forwards drove into the Teddington half, the ball was recycled quickly and the backs were released again to allow captain Paul Fudio to score in the corner.

Baldwin finished the scoring with his fourth penalty of the match.

Head coach Andy Boyes said: “We struggled to get our game going.

“Teddington started strongly and dominated the first half.

“We had a frank discussion at half-time and were able to turn it around in the second half.

“The team showed some real character today to grind out the victory.”

Man of match was second row Adam Kidd.