Mixed Watford Side Downed by Honourable Artillery Company

A mixed Watford team ultimately fell to a 27-17 defeat against a skilled Honourable Artillery Company team.

With a number of first team regulars unavailable or rested, the match was a chance for those in the WRFC seconds to push for a spot in the first team squad. In a frantic opening spell, it soon became clear that this was to be a game between the home sides pack and the away sides back line. As dominant as Watford’s set piece was, HAC’s backs were in fine form and scored two tries in quick succession to open a 12 point lead. The home side gradually worked their way back into the game, and a decision to keep the ball tight paid dividends when prop turned second row Gary Wilson was able to drive over from close range. Unfortunately the next score went to the away side following further good work from their back line to make the half time score 17-5.

The hosts used the break to make a number of changes, not only in terms of bringing players on but to also look at players in different positions from their usual ones. A return to more traditional tactics yielded instant results, substitute Andy Lee scoring from almost his first touch of the ball. Forward dominance was allied with a more stable back line, Stuart Menzies looking particularly threatening in his preferred position of wing. A further score was soon added, Sanchez Philpott burrowing over from 5 metres out. Tom McGee landed his trickiest attempt of the afternoon to bring the scores level at 17 each. Unfortunately Watford ran out of gas, and HAC scored two further tries to take them ten points clear. Watford can point to a number of questionable refereeing decisions as reasons for their loss, however the visitors were good value for their victory and more than player their part in a very entertaining game.

Watford: Greyling, Philpott, Nelson, Kingsford, G. Wilson, Jenkins, Reeve, Powell, Hopkins, McGee, Cox, Menzies, Diston, Creed, P. Wilson

Subs: Bees, Hammill, M. Lee, A. Lee, Connolly