Knowing that a bonus point victory would keep them in the top six regardless of the result between Thamesians and Old Isleworthians, Watford started with purpose and were soon on the scoreboard. Despite a strong wind creating difficult conditions for both sides, the visitors looked to play an expansive game and were soon rewarded for their positive outlook when lock Dave Kingsford broke through and showed a clean pair of heels to score. The swirling wind caught Simon Bram’s well struck effort causing it to hit the post, one of many close efforts on a terrible day to be kicking.

Watford were on the attack immediately from the restart, and after a series of drives from the forwards Martin Lee scored his first of the afternoon from close range. The skipper then added a second after good work at the lineout from Luke Hammill and Sanchez Philpott, who was coping admirably with the testing wind.

One more score was needed to secure the bonus point, Watford soon duly obliging. A strong carry from Kingsford, who along with second row colleague Jon McClennon was having an excellent game, gave Watford the advantage. Spotting a mismatch out wide, brothers Andy and Martin Lee combined to put Tom McGee away for his first of the afternoon. Andy Lee was next on the score sheet, a trademark bulldozing run getting him under the sticks following a well timed pass from Bram.

With time almost up for the half, McGee scored his second to put Watford 0-32 up at half time and the game surely beyond a spirited Ickenham team’s reach.

With the bonus point and match secured, Watford emptied the bench for the second half and took the opportunity to try players in unfamiliar positions. Allied to the fact that the visitors were perhaps guilty of over complicating things along with Ickenham putting up a great fight, the second period lacked the cohesion of the first.

The home side enjoyed a more even share of territory and possession during the second period, and Watford were to spend significant periods in their own half. Fortunately, their line was never seriously threatened. Adam Creed was having a strong game at full back having come on as a second half substitute, and nearly scored in the corner after good work from the back line. The ball was quickly recycled, Jon McClennon cutting an excellent line to score the try his fine performance deserved.

This was followed by Andy Lee adding his second after a break through the middle, before Watford’s final and arguably best score of the afternoon. The forwards made inroads into the Ickenham half from the restart, offloading out of contact when able and resetting and recycling if needed. Luke Hammill broke through, and though stopped by the full back he was able to offload to the supporting Kingsford who cantered under the posts. Final score 51-0 to Watford.

Watford can be pleased with their days work. Whilst far from a vintage performance, the ability to claim an emphatic victory despite missing a number of senior players showed the depth in the squad is improving. Their next game is at home against Cheshunt in the semi final of the Herts Presidents Trophy.

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

Subs: Powell, Creed, Gilmore

Tries: Kingsford x 2, A. Lee x 2, M. Lee x 2, McGee x 2, McClennon

Cons: Bram x 1, McGee x 2

MotM: Dave Kingsford & Jon McClennon. Watford’s two best players. Both carried with authority, always making ground. Two key components of a highly mobile and effective second row, great performances at lock.

WotW: Andy Lee. Made a lung bursting 60 metre run, beating numerous players on his way to the try line. Caught in two minds when two on one with the full back and knocked on, causing Mcgee (or indeed himself!) to miss out on his hat trick.