Watford & Fullerians Work Off Xmas Pudding

Despite most games in the area being lost to the bad weather, Watford and Fullerians were able to get together a squad each for a last minute friendly at Radlett Road. With neither side having played a match for a number of weeks, ir provided a good opportunity to knock off some ring rust before the competitive fixtures began again.

Watford started with a mixture of first and second team players, and were on the scoresheet almost immediately. A fumble from the kick off was gathered by Andy Lee, and after a powerful run he offloaded to the supporting Jon McClennon who cantered through to score under the posts. Watford’s set piece was reliable as always, and the back line thrived on the clean ball it provided. Tom McGee kicked intelligently to keep Fullerians pinned in their own half, with Greg Reeve regularly exerting pressure on the opposition throw in. Watford soon added a second, Ian Butcher cutting an excellent line from full back before putting flying winger Richard Yates in space for the first of his brace. Yates soon added a second in similar circumstances, out pacing his opposite number to score in the corner. Fullerians came back into the game and enjoyed a period of pressure in Watford’s half, however the home sides defence held firm. With 15 minutes left in the first half, Martin Lee scored from a close range lineout and soon added a second in similar circumstances five minutes later. The half ended with Fullerians in the ascendancy, strong Watford defence managing to keep the visitors at bay.

Both sides made a raft of changes in the second half, which was fought on a much more even keel than the first. Whilst Watford’s scrummaging power was evident, the usually reliable lineout missed Reeve’s management. Likewise, an unfamiliar back line was further weakened when Andy Lee left the pitch with cramp, however all credit to Fullerians who were a much stronger side in the second period. The visitors scored two well worked tries, and looked threatening throughout. Watford managed to get on the scoresheet when Martin Lee completed his hat trick after fine work from the tight five, however the second half very much belonged to the visitors.

All in all, a worthwhile match for both sides after a lengthy break.

Watford: Greyling Philpott Bees McClennon Powell Reeve Hammill M. Lee Hopkins McGee Yates Menzies A. Lee Braun Butcher

Subs: G. Wilson Nelson Kingsford Creed Cox Ford

Tries: M. Lee x 3, Yates x 2, McClennon

Conversions: McGee x 3