1st XV Win at Hitchin

Watford’s 1st XV opened their account for the season with a stylish win away to Hitchin’s 2nd XV, full back Sean Silver scoring four in the process.

Knowing that competition for a 1st XV spot was intense, Watford started brightly and were on the attack from kick off. Strong carrying from the pack took them deep into opposition territory, the ball being spun wide to winger John Portway who finished strongly in the corner. Simon Bram stroked over a wonderful conversion from out wide, beginning what was to be a dominant kicking display.

Watford soon scored again, the imperious Portway scything through before being bought down just short. Sean Silver was on hand to finish the move off, scoring his first of the afternoon from close range. Silver soon added a second after a fine run, and within 15 minutes Watford had nearly made the game safe.

The visitors traditionally solid set piece was firing on all cylinders, the lineout and scrum both functioning at 100% with James Powell not only a banker for Watford, but also a constant source of disruption to opposition ball. Hooker Flint was having an impressive game in both the tight and loose, ably supported by his front row colleagues. Frustratingly for Watford, they were not able to continue their dominance up front as injury meant uncontested scrums were needed after 25 minutes.

This failed to halt the Watford charge, and Paul Dunlop soon scored after good work from Bram and the highly impressive James Braun. Watford were playing a brand of rugby unrecognisable from last season, keeping the ball alive at every opportunity with any breaks supported by at least two players. Indeed, at times the visitors were guilty of overplaying the ball, taking risks with passes and offloads when recycling would have been the more sensible option.

Sean Silver completed his hat trick towards the end of the half, and Watford were home and dry with another 40 left to play.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first. Watford’s back line were breaking the gain line almost at will, Paul Dunlop adding his second after a strong break from man of the match Braun. Dunlop then turned provider, putting scrum half Ian Butcher in for a simple 5.

Watford’s conditioning work during the off season was paying dividends, Jon McClennon particularly impressive with a tireless shift in both attack and defence ably supported by Luke Hammill (despite Hammill refusing to pass to him when clean through).

Hitchin occasionally threatened, but Watford ran in two further scores from Silver and prop Luke Bees for a well deserved win.

An encouraging result which demonstrated just how strong competition for places is this season. Watford need to eliminate silly errors, however this shouldn’t detract from a highly promising opener. Training on Tuesday is sure to be intense with limited places available for this weekends league opener at Haringey.

Watford 1st XV: Bees, Flint, Nelson, McClennon, Powell, Horrocks, Hammill, Lee, Butcher, Bram, Dunlop, Braun, Portway, James, Silver

Tries: Silver x 4, Dunlop x 2, Bram, Butcher, Bees

MOTM: James Braun. Followed up his excellent performance at St Albans with another strong display. Powerful runs and solid defence along with hugely improved handling.

WOTW: Ricky Flint. You had to be there to really appreciate it, hookers should never kick the ball. ‘Nuff said.