After a disappointing showing the previous week, Watford had a point to prove and were on the front foot from the first whistle. Despite missing several front line players, the visitors played with an intensity and tempo that West London struggled at times to cope with. In the absence of experience prop Peter Nelson, George Hicks stepped up for his first 1st XV game since suffering a serious leg injury, and showed he had lost none of his scrummaging nous. Along with loose head Luke Bees and hooker Sanchez Philpott, the Watford front row were giving their opposite numbers a horrendous time. Unfortunately this dominance didn’t extend to the lineout, the visitors uncharacteristically failing to secure the ball on a couple of occasions. Eventually, Watford pressure told. Paul Wilson cut an excellent line from full back, driving deep into opposition territory before being hauled down. The ball was worked wide to Luke Diston, who was halted two metres from the line before ever-present openside Luke Hammill collected from the base of the ruck and drove over. Extras were added to give Watford a deserved 7-0 lead. This was soon extended, the visitors dominant scrum carrying No 8 Martin Lee over the whitewash for a simple finish. Tom McGee missed the conversion, but was on target five minutes later punishing a West London infringement with three points. At 15-0 up, Watford lost winger Adam Creed to concussion which bought Andy Lee on at centre. Despite carrying an injury, Lee immediately got the visitors back on the front foot with some trademark powerful runs up the middle of the field. It was from one such run that Watford scored their third, Ollie Hopkins hacking through a loose ball to dot down, Mcgee adding the extras for 22-0. With the bonus point in sight and half time on the horizon, Watford switched off allowing the home side to score in the corner with the final play of the period, making the score 7-22.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first. Watford were in the ascendancy, Andy Lee breaking the line at will whilst the forward pack were physical and direct with the ball in hand. Credit especially to lock Dave Kingsford, who was displaying a prodigious work rate in the loose. The bonus point finally came, Paul Wilson cutting an excellent line to score in the corner. The full back was soon in again, a second try well deserved after an excellent game in both attack and defence. Credit to West London, who came back with a score of their own to add some respectability to the scoreline. Watford however were not finished. A bulldozing run from Martin Lee was quickly recycled, second row Mike Jenkins showing excellent handling skills to draw the cover and release Luke Diston in the corner. With time running out Martin Lee added his second, crashing over the line from a tap penalty.

Watford can be well satisfied with their performance. Despite missing 6 of their regular first team players, those chosen to pull on the shirt stepped up and showed the strength in depth the senior section has this season. Selection for both squads is incredibly tight, and the spirit and camaraderie amongst all the players is a pleasure to be a part of. Saturday’s win meant the entire senior section at Watford remain unbeaten in friendlies, league and the cup so far this season.

Watford 1st XV: Bees Philpott, Hicks, Kingsford, Jenkins, Connolly, Hammill, M. Lee, Hopkins, McGee, Diston, Butcher, Mainwaring, Creed, P. Wilson

Subs: G. Wilson, Hancock, A. Lee

Tries: P. Wilson x 2, M. Lee x 2, Diston, Hammill, Hopkins

Cons: McGee x 2

Pens: McGee x 1

Man of the Match: Andy Lee. Called into the fray a lot earleir than he would have liked after suffering from injury, put in a titanic performance with the ball in hand. Made impressive inroads into a West London defence who were unable to cope with his physicality.

Honourable mentions to Paul Wilson and Dave Kingsford, who also had excellent games.