Watford Win Away From Home

Despite their fine run of recent form, the game started in the worst possible way for Watford. With more or less the first play of the game, a West London chip ahead was gathered by their pacey winger to score in the corner. The conversion was missed, making the score 5-0 to the home team. An uncharacteristically slow start for Watford was further confounded when props JR Greyling and Luke Bees left the field with knee injuries. With substitute James Powell running late, Watford fielded arguably their lightest front row in recent memory with Sanchez Philpott and Pete Nelson propping, Stuart Menzies moving from flanker to hooker. Despite the enforced changes, Watford belied their numerical and weight disadvantage to not only hold their own at the set piece, but also put pressure on the hosts. The visitors first try was scored by Tom McGee after a mazy run from just inside the oppositions half. This was followed up by a score for Greg Reeve from close range, before Martin Lee powered over after a trademark WRFC lineout. McGee was faultless with the boot, his conversion from Lee’s score particularly impressive.

The second half saw Watford tire as the numerical disadvantage began to take its toll, however despite some dubious refereeing decisions and physical West London approach play the visitors held their own in fact scoring a further try through Paul Dunlop after good work from Andy Lee. With Powell eventually arriving, Watford were up to 15 men for five minutes before Andy Lee had to leave the field injured again reducing the visitors to 14. Some tired fringe defence gave the hosts an easy score, however other than this the remainder of the half was mainly played out around the middle of the park.

Watford can be very proud of their efforts, securing a comfortable win despite a number of factors conspiring against them. With Mill Hill losing to Old Isleworthians this weekend, WRFC know two wins from their three remaining games will guarantee promotion.