Slow Start Costs Watford

With only 3 points between the teams over two games last season, the match promised to be close and it didn’t disappoint.

However, you wouldn’t have thought this after the first 20 minutes. In what is becoming a worrying Watford characteristic, a lethargic start gave the visitors a healthy lead almost immediately from kick off.

Your intrepid reporter missed the first score having been supporting Pie’s Army on the top pitch, however a second London French score soon followed to put the visitors 0-12 up. Watford seemed shocked, London French belying their reputation as a side who struggled on their travels by playing at a pace and intensity we often struggled to match. The visitors game plan of blasting rucks to generate quick ball for strike runners attacking at pace worked wonders, and a third score was soon added with a fine finish from the French winger in the corner. At some point during the French barrage Watford scored a penalty through Tom McGee, however the first 20 minutes certainly belonged to the side from Barnes via France.

Having given their opposition the now traditional 20 point head start, Watford started to get a foothold in the game. The first scrum of the game (a testament to the handling skills of both sides given how long it was in coming) was decimated by the Watford 8, earning a penalty which was drilled to touch. From the resulting lineout, Mike Jenkins was held up just short however the ball was worked down the short side to prop Luke Bees who smashed over in the corner. Conversion missed, 8-19 French.

Another unfortunate Watford tradition creeping in this season is an inability to secure restarts, the ball spilled to concede possession and put us back under pressure having just scored. French went through the phases once more, gaining a penalty which was drilled over, soon followed by a second penalty for 8-25 with only half an hour played.

After a talking to from head coach Mark Trude, Watford reverted to playing their own game and gradually began to exert their authority on proceedings. Handling errors were creeping into both sides game, Watford’s dominance in the scrum ensuring the momentum had swung firmly in their favour. One or two slightly dubious refereeing decisions at 5 metre scrums meant the home side had to wait for their second score, however after a number of tight drives it was eventually added by Simon Bram scoring his first try for the club.

At half time Watford were 13-25 down, but the final ten minutes of the half had shown they were more than capable of inflicting damage provided they stuck to their game plan.

Whilst the first half certainly belonged to London French, the second half was all Watford. The home side had the lions share of territory and possession, their domination of the set piece meaning the French were constantly on the back foot. A McGee penalty reduced the arrears to give Watford a slither of hope.

With the sidelines swelled by support from the second team, Watford continued to lay siege to the French line. Hooker Sanchez Philpott was held up just short following a well worked lineout move, however the hosts were not to be denied. London French managed to secure a turnover within their own half, and looked to exploit the situation by quickly moving the ball wide. Winger Richard Yates was alert to the danger, and stepped in to intercept and speed away to the line. Extras added, score 23-25 with 10 minutes to play.

Despite having all the territory and possession, outstanding French defence kept Watford at bay. With time almost up, another strong Watford scrum earned a penalty near the touchline to the right had side of the posts. With the referee indicating that this was to be the last play, McGee stepped up. Unfortunately, his kick drifted agonisingly wide handing London French the victory.

Watford’s heart and fitness has never been in doubt, as constantly shown by the incredible performances put in during the second half of more or less every game this season. However, the calibre of teams in this league means we cannot afford to constantly give away sizeable leads and come in at half time behind. It is notable that in our two league losses (Quins & French), we have been 20 points down at some point in the game. However, in both of these matches we came back strongly and nearly snatched the win.

If Watford can put together constant 80 minute performances, then there is no reason we will not be in the top two come the end of the season.

Finally, it was great to have the French lads enjoy our hospitality and stay down for a few drinks after the game. It was a reminder of how the game used to be, and all at Watford are looking forward to the return fixture.

Watford 1st XV: Bees, Sanchez, Nelson, Kingsford, Jenkins, Hancock, Powell, Hammill, Hopkins, Bram, Yates, Butcher, Dunlop, P. Wilson, McGee

Subs: G. Wilson, McClennon, Diston

Tries: Bees, Bram, Yates.

Cons: McGee

Pens: McGee x 2

MotM: Tom McGee. Continued his fine form at full back with another accomplished performance. Defensively solid, came into the attacking line to offer an extra distribution option. Intelligent kicking from hand ensured pressure stayed on in second half.

WotW: Ollie Hopkins. Only bought one sock down with him. ‘Nuff said