Despite having beaten Haringey comfortably in the reverse fixture, looking at their results for phase two (particularly at home) we knew that a repeat showing was very unlikely. As such, despite a couple of unavailability’s (form player Radish Hancock being injured and Sam Holloway not around because James was playing) we turned up early and focussed on the job in hand.

Despite shifting from the usual 3G playing surface, the pitch we found ourselves on was firm and dry which would prove to be in our favour given the pace of the back line. Despite the hurricane blowing across the pitch, conditions were conducive to entertaining and free flowing rugby which both sides looked to play. After a cagey opening five minutes, Watford produced arguably the best half of rugby seen this season. 1-15 were switched on, alert and on plan resulting in some fantastic scores.

The opener was a model of working the phases, forwards and backs combining across the field to work their way towards the Haringey line. The ball eventually was worked wide, Kiren running strongly before being hauled down inside the opposition 22. Man of the match Josh stepped in at first receiver, driving through two attempted tackles to score under the post. He converted his own kick, 0-7 Watford. 7 soon became 14, Kiren once again showing great pace and power before offloading to the pest to dot down.

Despite a malfunctioning lineout which was down to a combination of gale force (ish) winds and WOTW Clenners constantly calling it to himself at the back, Watford still enjoyed the bulk of possession and territory. Josh added his second after fine work from Dunners and James in the centre, before turning provider for Silver and actually making a half decent pass much to everyone’s surprise ;-). Bonus point up, a slight drop in concentration allowed the Haringey 9 to step a couple of us and go half the field to score. This roused Watford who struck back with a second for Silver, half time arrived with us 7-35 to the good.

As much as everyone said the job wasn’t done, keep the pressure on etc there can be no doubt we unfortunately switched off as a team in the second period. Yes, the game was effectively over with the BP secured but credit to Haringey who showed great heart and no little skill to win the half by three tries to two. With nothing to lose the hosts reverted to an all court offloading game and played some great stuff.

The first Haringey try came in the corner after a break from their 8 early in the half, followed by a concerted 15 minutes of possession from the hosts which Watford did well to rebuff. Eventually regaining the ball, we managed to string together a number of phases and work our way back up the pitch. Skipper Hammill was held up on the line, and from the resulting 5 metre scrum Bram found Kiren who scored under the sticks for a try his performance deserved.

Haringey almost immediately struck back with one of their own, a drink through bouncing cruelly and resulting in a converted try. The tit for tat nature of the half continued, Yatesy fielding a high ball and then superbly delaying his pass to put Josh through for a well deserved hat trick. With time almost up, Haringey laid siege to the Watford line. With both sides tiring, Clenners was penalised for killing the ball at the breakdown and given ten minutes on the naughty step guaranteeing himself the nod for WOTW (any excuse not to pay full subs). Haringey tapped and their 8 bundled over for his second of the game bringing about the final whistle.

A high scoring, entertaining game for sure however the second period is one which Watford will not look back on with any fondness. Still, nice to banish the slow start blues and register the BP away from home. Two games left – one win will guarantee promotion to Herts Middlesex One. This weekends game promises to be a cracker, away to in form top of the league Bank, K.O 3 pm.