Bank Job

The scoreline says it all really. No excuses - we were pretty much at full strength, fantastic pitch, great conditions and an excellent referee. When you are on the receiving end of such a hiding it is difficult to remember all the scores, so excuses for a lack of in depth play by play analysis.

Things went wrong pretty much from the off. We failed to make ten from K.O by the narrowest of margins. The resulting scrum wheeled taking the back row out of the equation. Bank picked and went blind, some nice interchange seeing them score within the opening minute. From there the floodgates opened, the hosts seemingly carving Watford open at will. Our set piece faltered denying the backs clean, quality ball. First up tackles were missed across the park and as Bank grew in confidence, we diminished. In one of the few positives for Watford, man of the match Paul Dunlop was excellent throughout with Captain Luke Hammill committing himself commendably. We also nicked a try through Kiren.

Half time came as a blessed relief, we maybe had the ball for 5 / 10 minutes of the opening period (if that).

Unfortunately the second half continued in the same vein as the first. Whilst we were very poor, it would be churlish not to give credit (boom boom) where it is due to Bank who were excellent in both attack and defence. Their half backs controlled the game superbly, one crossfield kick from the fly half resulting in a try for the winger was particularly impressive.

In what summed up a bad day for Watford, Kiren left the field with what was later confirmed as a broken ankle, Clenners and Georgio also departing injured.

Positives – pitch was a belter, and the showers were really really nice. We could actually stand underneath them. Plus they were a pleasant temperature. Bram and Bees both bought me a pint. One of the Bank players gave me a swig of port. We were provided orange segments at half time. The weather.

So, congratulations to Bank who deservedly win the league and will be plying their trade in Herts Middlesex 1 next season. Whilst this was undoubtedly our hardest weekend in a Watford shirt for a couple of years, provided all those involved learn from it then the club will surely improve and grow. Our season is still in our hands, and a win this weekend away at West London will see us deservedly promoted in second position. One result doesn’t define a season, regardless of how chastening it may have been and should not detract from the efforts of all involved so far this year. Two training sessions and one game left – our fate is in our hands. Let’s do everything in our power this week to get our club back where it belongs.