Watford Back to Winning Ways

After the disappointment of last weekends high scoring defeat to Harlequins, the visitors knew a victory was crucial in order to keep pace at the top of the table. In complete contrast to their previous match, Watford were defensively switched on from the start and showed great commitment in the face of relentless Thamesians pressure. Some absolutely huge hits were put in from both forwards and backs, particular credit to Luke Hammill and Tom McGee who made telling defensive contributions as the home sides pressure built. In a cagey first half which was mainly contested between Thamesians attack and Watford’s defence, scoring chances were at a premium for both teams. The home side opened to scoring with two well struck long range penalties, before McGee replied with one of his own for the visitors. The half ended with a third Thamesians penalty putting the home side up 9-3 at the break.

The second half was a much more open affair. With the home side tiring, Watford enjoyed a greater share of territory and possession. The Watford pack in particular were beginning to dominate at the set piece, and were making ground with the ball in hand. James Powell was having one of his best games in a Watford shirt, regularly making ground as well as his usual prodigious work rate in defence. McGee slotted his second penalty, before the pack dismantled a Thamesians scrum to allow him his third successful shot at goal. As the game opened up, Watford scored the first try of the game. A driving run from Powell was recycled quickly, the ball being fed to winger Richard Yates who touched down in the right hand corner. McGee’s imperious form with the boot continued, his touchline conversion giving Watford the lead for the first time with 15 minutes left on the clock. Unfortunately for the visitors, their jitters from the restart resurfaced and failure to gather clean ball gave Thamesians a scrum in WRFC territory. After the second phase from the set piece, Thamesians reversed the direction of play and caught Watford napping on the blindside to score their first try of the afternoon. Agonisingly for the home side, the conversion bounced off the upright leaving Watford two points up with less than ten minutes to play. With everything to play for, the intensity in the contact area reached new levels. Watford were particularly indebted to prop Luke Bees, who showed a great turn of pace to hammer the opposition winger into touch when it looked for all the world like a try was on the cards. From the resulting lineout the pack kept the ball tight, going through numerous phases in order to run down the clock. Both sides were showing little regard for personal safety in the contact area, Thamesians efforts to disrupt or steal Watford ball being met in kind from the visiting pack in what was one of the clubs greatest displays of control and game management. Eventually, Thamesians desperation to win a turnover resulted in them straying offside. The penalty was hammered into touch, giving Watford a superb first ever win at Thamesians.

Watford 1st XV: Bees, Philpott, Nelson, Kingsford, Powell, Hancock, Hammill, M. Lee, Hopkins, Bram, Mainwaring, Butcher, Dunlop, Yates, McGee

Tries: Yates

Con: McGee

Pen: McGee x 3

Man of the Match: A tie between James Powell & Tom McGee. Powell was consistently excellent in the lineout, but his most telling contribution was in the loose. Huge tackle count, and always made ground with the ball in hand. McGee, recalled to the first XV displayed nerves of steel in a 100% kicking display. Also made some excellent hits in an unfamiliar position, a great return to 1st XV action.