Watford were in their fourth straight President’s Trophy semi final, Cheshunt making their first appearance in the tournament having previously competed in the higher tier of the competition. Playing their rugby in the league above, the visitors were clear favourites on paper and Watford knew they would have their work cut out if they were to make it to Aprils final.

The first half was a fairly even affair. Cheshunt started the stronger of the two sides, enjoying the greater share of territory and possession. Watford defended resolutely, but found themselves 3-0 down after Andy Lee was penalised for not rolling away from the breakdown. The home side gradually ground their way back into the game, some strong carries from the pack earning decent field position and the chance for Tom McGee to take a shot at goal. His effort fell just short, soon followed by another penalty which drifted wide.

Cheshunt went back on the attack, decoy runners holding Watford’s fringe defence in place and creating space out wide. The pressure eventually told, a well taken score in the corner earning an 8-0 lead.

Watford were down, but far from out and launched a series of attacks of their own. James Powell was enjoying a great deal of success at the lineout, a banker for our own ball whilst also a constant menace on opposition throw ins. The scrum was a more even contest, made notable for the ongoing and highly entertaining battle between the two number 9’s. Credit to Ollie who sometimes had to deal with some fairly scrappy ball, not to mention an irritating (as all good scrum halves are) opposite number.

Watford’s pack were starting to shade the battle at the breakdown, a Cheshunt offside earning McGee his third shot at goal which was slotted for Watford’s first (and unfortunately only) points of the match. The visitors finished with the final points of the period, a well struck penalty taking them into the break 11-3 up.

The first half had been played at a great pace, and while the home side were behind we remained confident things could be turned around – especially given that in the previous round we managed to come back from 20 down to beat OV’s. 8 points was nothing!

Or not. The second half scoreline was 21-0, which is all you need to know really. The visitors were more clinical, their 9 and 10 pulling the strings to great effect. Cheshunt had also clearly done their homework on Watford, set piece moves being shut down almost at source.

Watford’s cause wasn’t helped when Andy Lee was folded into a karma sutra-esque pretzel at an early ruck, tearing his hamstring and potentially ruling him out for the rest of the season.

Whilst the home side never gave up, the result wasn’t really in doubt once the first try of the second period had been scored. A try or two of our own would have been deserved, but Cheshunt were the better team on the day and are good value for their spot in the final – best of luck lads.

Finally, commiserations from all at WRFC on the passing of Cheshunt’s President David Bird, who by all accounts was a great rugby man not only for Cheshunt but the game in general.

Watford 1st XV: G. Wilson, Philpott, Nelson, Kingsford, Powell, Dunlop, Hammill, M. Lee, Hopkins, Bram, Yates, Butcher, A. Lee, McGee, P. Wilson

Subs: Greyling, Hancock

Pens: McGee x 1

Man of the Match: Ollie Hopkins. Played well with some scrappy ball, and enjoyed a good contest against his opposite number.

WotW: Roelfy. Came on and did well at the set piece, but threw a shocker of a hospital pass which fortunately only cost possession and not a collapsed lung.