Go West

On a surprisingly sunny Saturday afternoon Watford RFC first team travelled to Marathon Playing Fields to take on an old adversary in West London RFC. Have swapped victories/defeats over the past few years we knew we were in for a challenge and as always against West London, a very physical game.

After a minutes silence for a West London Player, in which both teams mixed together and showed the support and respect that separates our wonder sport from others the whistle blew and the game began in earnest.

From the start we realised that this would be no walk in the park which huge hits going in on both sides. With the breakdown being fiercely contested Watford were awarded 3 penalties in a row thanks largely to the superb work over the ball by emerging hooker Jack Upton. A perfect touch finder from captain Menzes and a well worked lineout called and marshalled by Jake saw flanker Paul Dunlop break off from the back of the ensuing mail and cross the line to dot down.

A well taken restart and Watford were on the attack again with huge carries by Luke Bees and Andrew Cutler, one particular carry from first team debutant Cutler actually knocking the west London player out of his boots. After yet more good breakdown work by Jack Upton Watford found themselves with another lineout in the West London 22. Another great lineout move saw Paul Dunlop cruise under the posts for his second of the game.

After observing the Watford pack enjoying the opening quarter of the game, Watford’s back line decided to show exactly how much they have developed recently. Working off sometimes slow ball due to very good counter rucking by west London, Scrum half Matt started to release his back line. Marshalled by first team captain Menzes the back line went to work.

With Kingsley showing his usual power and pace and Louis with his raw speed we knew our wingers could run riot given the chance. These chances started to come with man of the match Shrives showing not only his own power and pace, but also a new level of control and communication in controlling his outside backs, and Keelan showing maturity and superb game management.

This control turned into points with Kingsley cutting a superb supporting line to cross for his first. Followed soon after by MOM shrives who received a perfectly weighted offload from Louis to coast in under the posts.

With time running out in the half Watford found themselves with another lineout in the opposition half. After more great lineout work from Pack leader Chris Dixon, the ball worked its way out wide. Shrives once again directing traffic found himself several options, deciding to opt for a sumptuous grubber kick through for winger Louis. Scrum half Matty had other ideas appearing from nowhere to dot down with a smile on his face.

West London also scored in the first half after some hard work and at half time it was time to take stock as our discipline had started to waiver and we needed to be bought back down to earth. A quick chat from Coach Greg set us up for the 2nd half and off we went.
The 2nd half continued where the first had ended with Kingsley crossing for a second try, before breaking the line again and offloading to Ryan who once again made the correct decision, putting Matty in for his second off a 2 on 1.

Moments later Ryan went from provider to scorer with a mazy run that even he wasn’t sure how he stayed on his feet, seemingly side stepping himself and dotting down for another fine score. Followed again by another score after a fine solo run by Kingsley showing real rugby knowledge this season to accompany his natural athleticism.

With the Backs running riot, Watford number 8 Tom Franklin decided he’d had enough and it was the forwards turn to have some fun. In his own words he’ picked and went from a scrum, handed off the 9, stepped 2 people, boshed 3 more and scored under the posts’. In reality he tripped over his mullet and just about made it to the line.

At the final whistle Watford were happy with the win and very sore after an incredibly physical game. The score line does not show just how completive the breakdown was and Watford showed great commitment and a clinical edge that has become one of our main weapons this season. A big shout out The Prop Big Shaps who went of injured with his shoulder again and we wish him a very speedy recovery.