ANDOVER remained top of London 3 South-West with a hard-fought 28-10 victory at much improved Teddington.

The home side took advantage of the wind and slope in their favour to take an early lead with a converted try and penalty.

But Andover stayed patient and three Charlie Waite penalties got them back into the game before the break.

The dogged hosts never let Andover get into their free-flowing stride but the determined All Blacks slowly wore their opponents down.

A penalty try put Andover in front and then, from another short scrum, Marc Wilding broke and scored with Charlie Waite converting both efforts.

With time running out, Niko Rowe finished the matter with a brilliant try from 50 metres.

Coach Andy Waite said: “Although we didn’t get a bonus point we did play very well especially in the second half.

“These are very difficult matches and earlier in the season we were losing games like this so we have to be happy with the progress we have made since then.

“The good news is that we now know we can get even better. We now know how to play a different way if we need to and the players look far more like they believe they belong at this level.”

He added: “The form of our youngsters, Charlie Waite and George Roscoe, is especially pleasing and is a real testament to the way our whole club from academy upwards is really behind what we are trying to achieve.”

Andover have a rest week before entertaining Old Tonbridgians next month.