It's a Record!

After a three break from the league, Watford returned to action knowing that a convincing win was needed in order to stay in touch with league leaders Hendon and Saracens Amateurs. Despite less than favourable conditions, including a strong crosswind, Watford flew out of the blocks and were on the scoreboard within the first two minutes after a typically powerful burst from Andy Lee who scored a second almost immediately from the re-start. Watford were in the ascendancy, complete domination at the scrum meaning Ickenham struggled to gain any meaningful possession. A Watford hook against the head within their own half saw Mark Hill, enjoying a fine game in Ian Butcher’s absence, break down the blind side. Hill drew the Ickenham cover defence before releasing speedster Richard Yates to score his first of the afternoon. Turnover ball at the scrum saw Simon Bram release Andy Lee to power through for a first half hat trick. Watford’s power at the set piece led to an Ickenham substitution, however the visitors remained in the ascendancy winning almost every single scrum regardless of who’s put in it was. A quickly taken tap penalty after Ickenham collapsed the scrum saw Martin Lee hauled down just short, Ricky Flint picking and driving over for the first of his brace soon followed by Luke Bees showing a great turn of pace to scythe through and score under the posts. With the first half nearly up, the visitors scored their 8th of the afternoon after a fine break from James Braun saw the ball recycled to Sean Silver for a simple finish. With Watford 48 points up at half time, the onus was on the visitors to maintain the pace during the second half despite playing uphill and into the wind.

Thankfully we did just that, running in another ten tries. Despite Watford’s strength traditionally being up front, this was a game for the back line to shine. Sean Silver, Andy Lee and Richard Yates all looked dangerous with the ball in hand, ably supported by a Watford pack which showed they had a lot to offer other than the set piece – nearly every line break saw the ball carrier with an option either side of them, particularly pleasing given the work done on support lines in training. Yates and Silver both showed searing pace to score a second half brace each (and in the process complete their hat tricks), while Dave Kingsford added a pair of his own in a great individual performance. Andy Lee scored his fourth with another strong run from long range, followed by a pair of tries for Paul Dunlop. In the midst of Watford’s scoring, Ickenham emptied their bench and scored a well deserved try of their own. With the last play of the game, Ricky Flint was once more in support to pick and drive over the line from close range. Watford’s victory was not without cost – winger John Portway departed with a broken ankle, whilst James Braun Luke Hammill and Jon McClennon all left the field with facial injuries. These will be of particular concern to Luke & James.

Skipper Martin Lee was understandably pleased with his sides performance. ‘Despite the three week break from the league, there has been no let up in the intensity or numbers at training. Competition for places is fierce, and we showed today that despite missing a couple of players and having to make some enforced changes we have the squad depth to maintain a challenge this year. As well as we played, there are still improvements to make – we left a few tries out there today. Credit to Ickenham, who showed great spirit and never let their heads drop.’

Watford host table topping Hendon at Radlett Road next week, kick off 2 pm.

MotM: Ricky Flint – coped well with poor conditions for a hooker and was always an option in support with two well taken tries. James Powell – Always sets the bar high, gave another all action display in both the tight and loose.

WotW – Silver – Clean through, told to back himself and then dropped the ball (‘laid an egg’ – Andy Lee). Dunners – tripped over Clenners snout mid lineout move. Clenners – asking Silver for the ball in order to get himself on the score sheet when Sean was already over the line. Hilly – taking a drop goal conversion and completely skewing it from in front of the posts. Sanchez – Intentionally not running a move correctly to stop his skipper from scoring. Martin – not scoring.