Heartbreak at Saracens

With the pain of last weeks two point loss to London French still fresh in the memory, Watford travelled to fellow top six side Saracens determined not to make the same mistakes again, namely give the opposition a head of steam and a sizeable half time lead.

In terrible conditions, chances were sure to be at a premium and both sides set out to establish an early advantage. With the game fairly evenly contested in the opening stages, the first scoring chance fell to Saracens after Watford were penalised for offside. A difficult chance was narrowly missed, letting the visitors off the hook.

All credit to Watford, who after the early scare switched on and came back into the game. The Watford scrum was in complete control, winning all of their own ball and frequently stealing the oppositions as well. The same could not be said of the lineout unfortunately, the Saracens jumper and man of the match ruling the air and frequently relieving pressure on his team with some great steals.

Watford’s first scoring chance came after the pack once more dismantled a Saracens scrum, earning a penalty 30 metres out in front of the posts. Tom McGee stepped up to give Watford a three point lead. The visitors were enjoying the majority of possession, however Saracens supremacy at the lineout meant Watford were unable to convert considerable pressure into points.

Watford’s forwards were hungry for work, and looked to carry the ball at every opportunity. Man of the match Gary Wilson and prop Luke Bees were especially effective in their carrying, regularly breaking the gain line and committing two or three defenders with every charge. Saracens defended well, forcing the visitors to work hard for every single yard.

It was strong carrying from the Watford pack which earned their next shot at goal. With the visitors inexorable march up the field approaching the line, Saracens were guilty of straying offside giving McGee a simple three points to put Watford 0-6 up.

Watford seemed to have banished their slow start blues, and were in the ascendancy. With the half nearly at an end, the visitors won another penalty five metres out directly in front of the posts. Given Watford’s superiority up front, the scrum option was taken. In one of the more puzzling calls of the afternoon, the referee penalised the visitors scrum (reasons unknown), allowing Sarries to alleviate the pressure and clear for touch.

Despite their dominance, Watford were nowhere near home and dry at half time - a fact which became clear all too soon.

The second half continued with similar themes to the first. Namely, Watford dominating the scrum with Saracens superior at the lineout. The hosts enjoyed a lot more possession than the first half, and looked dangerous with the ball in hand. Watford were indebted to Luke Hammill for an excellent tap tackle after a Saracens half break, and Jon McClennon (a strong candidate for man of the match) had to be alert to cover another Saracens break when a try was on the cards.

Watford didn’t heed the warnings, and Saracens took the lead mid way through the second period with a great try. Watford destroyed an opposition scrum on the Saracens 10 metre line, the ball spilling out the back. The Sarries 9 picked up and made a wonderful break, offloading to his support who grounded the ball despite some suggestions of a double movement. Extras added, Watford were a point down.

The visitors reacted well, dominating territory and possession. Saracens defence held strong, both sides paying with great spirit and intensity. The home side were forced into conceding a penalty at the breakdown, McGee missing from the tee. Watford were soon on the attack again, Tom McGee held up agonisingly short after a fine pass from Ian Butcher.

Watford were dominating the game, but too often final passes were dropped or the wrong option was taken. The scrum earned another penalty, however Tom McGee, struggling with injury, was unable to convert. Another penalty went just wide, and with time running out the Watford pack once more showed their dominance by winning another penalty. With the referee indicating that there would be enough time for a lineout, the ball was kicked deep for a throw 5 metres from the Sarries line. The final play summed the game up. Once more the Saracens jumper was able to get up and steal the Watford throw, allowing Saracens to kick the ball dead and secure the win.

A good game, but one Watford should have won as highlighted by the Sarries skipper who commented after the game that he wasn’t sure how his side won. So, three losses now this season for Watford, every time with a losing bonus point indicating that they should have won. We are developing a reputation of being a tough team to beat, but one who is beatable – not a tag which sits well with us.

We have a huge test against top of the league Hillingdon in two weeks time, it’s vital we have a decent turnout at training this week and next to give us the best chance possible in what will be our hardest game of the season.

Man of the Match: Gary Wilson. Had one of his best games in a Watford shirt. Scrummaged well, showed up brilliantly around the park with some strong carries.

WotW: Martin Lee. Despite being injured and not on the pitch, was stabbed in the back by his vice captain for shouting at the Japir from the sidelines for lolloping slowly back onside. An act of hideous treachery from Dunners, which will not go unpunished.

Watford 1st XV: Bees, G. Wilson, Nelson, Jenkins, McClennon, Hancock, Powell, Hammill, Hopkins, Bram, P. Wilson, Butcher, Dunlop, Mainwaring, McGee

Subs: Diston, Silver

Pens: McGee x 2