On a fantastic day for running rugby, the hosts didn’t disappoint. With the restart secured, the home sides pack recycled the ball which was quickly spun out wide to winger Richard Yates, just inside the opposition half. With minimal space, Yates stepped outside his opposite man before turning on the afterburners to touch down. This was almost immediately followed by a carbon copy score two minutes later, good hands from Jon McClennon freeing Yates who one more showed his pace to score. Tom McGee added the extras, putting Watford 12-0 up after five minutes.

It made a pleasant change for Watford to be the team starting the stronger, and their lead was soon extended. An Uxbridge offside gave Watford a penalty which was quickly taken by Ollie Hopkins and passed out to captain Martin Lee, who crashed over in the corner.

Watford were on fire, and but for a few dodgy offloads and some poor decision making would have extended their lead even further. The set piece, as it has been all season, was on top once again. A set piece move saw Martin Lee held up on the line, however a huge drive from the pack at the resultant scrum saw him cross over for a simple score.

With the bonus point in the bag, Watford eased up slightly and allowed Uxbridge back into the game. A sold period of Uxbridge pressure was repelled by the hosts, who went on to nick a fifth try when Yates completed his hat trick towards the end of the half.

Knowing that in a tight league points difference would be crucial, Watford continued to apply pressure in the second half. After a slightly slow start after the break, Watford were soon once more applying pressure. Simon Bram scored after a lovely side step and turn of pace before Martin Lee completed his hat trick after Luke Hammill stole a lineout in the opposition 22.

Watford were playing with a freedom which had been somewhat lacking in their previous matches, and with the pressure off they were able to enjoy their rugby. This was encompassed by man of the match Richard Yates, who was a constant threat with the ball in hand and willing to run from anywhere on the pitch. Tom McGee scored his first try of the afternoon after a strong run from Captain Lee, before adding his second after an inside pass from Ian Butcher. McGee converted his own kick to help< Watford past the 50 point mark.

With time up and the last play called, McGee managed to complete his hat trick after a grubber through bounced kindly for him in the corner. Final score Watford 58 Vs 0 Uxbridge.

The win moves Watford back into the all important top six places. With three matches left in the new year before the league is restructured, the men in red, white and blue will be confident of remaining in the top half of the table.

Watford 1st XV: G. Wilson, Philpott, Nelson, Kingsford, McClennon, Powell, Hammill, M. Lee, Hopkins, Butcher, Yates, Bram, Dunlop, P. Wilson, McGee

Subs: Flint, Hancock, Mainwaring

Tries: Yates x 3, M. Lee x 3, McGee x 3, Bram

Cons: McGee x 4

Man of the Match: Richard Yates. had one of his best games in Watford shirt. Showed great pace & footwork for all three of his tries, defensively sounds and solid under the high ball in tricky conditions with the low sun.

WotW: Martin Lee. Again. Offloaded to opposition player when clean through and was mistaken for a prop by the referee.