Watford Woe at London French

Despite having nothing to play for, Watford were hoping to end the season strongly and cause a few upsets in the run in. With results between the visitors and French being incredibly tight over the last few seasons, another close game was expected.

The first ten minutes didn’t disappoint, both sides looking lively and attempting to run the ball despite blustery conditions. French opened to scoring with a well struck penalty, before Watford scored their only try of the afternoon. Having played a much more expansive game than in previous weeks, the men in red found themselves with a host of forwards in the back line. Rather than relying on the traditional crash up the middle, the ball went wide to prop Luke Bees who glided over for an excellent team score. Extras were added, and it seemed to be game on.

Unfortunately, that was about as good as it got for Watford who struggled to gain any meaningful possession or territory for the rest of the half. The London French back line always looked threatening with the ball in hand, the away side in an uncharacteristically generous mood when it came to defending. Too often players went high, allowing easy metres to be made. French offloads out of contact came thick and fast, the open nature of the game suiting their playing style.

Half time arrived, and whilst Watford weren’t out of the contest we were certainly reeling. Score 22-7.

Despite attempting to rally themselves, the second half continued in much the same vein as the first for the visitors. Watford were superior at the scrum, however an injury to Sanchez plus blustery conditions meant the lineout was scrappy from both sides. We also struggled to adapt to the referees interpretation of many aspects of the game, something London French managed a lot better than we did.

Two well struck penalties extended French’s lead, before two debatable tries were added which well and truly ended the contest. Watford showed some spirit to try and grab a consolation score, but were unable to put the finishing touch in place. Final score 42 – 7 to the home side.

As a side, we need to be honest with ourselves. The 1st XV haven’t been themselves since the league split, effectively leaving us with nothing tangible to play for. There is no excuse for a performance like Saturday’s. Whilst we can all accept losing from time to time to better sides (which make no mistake, on the day French were) there is absolutely no excuse for a lack of passion and commitment – especially when so many Watford supporters made such a long journey to come and support us. We owe it to those people, the club and ourselves to turn in a much better performance at home to Hendon on the 11th April.

Watford 1st XV: Bees, Philpott, Nelson, G. Wilson, McClennon, Hancock, Hammill, M. Lee, Hopkins, Butcher, Mainwaring, Bram, Dunlop, Diston, Portway

Subs: Hicks, Yates, Williams

Tries: Bees

Con: Dunlop

Man of the Match: Tathan Williams. Made his first team debut in difficult circumstances and performed admirably. Led by example, making numerous tackles and ran the back line well.

WotW: Gary Wilson. Despite a big focus on keeping schtum, engaged in regular conversations with supporters the opposition and occasionally referee.