Riding the crest of a wave after a club record victory over Ickenham the previous week, Watford knew they were in for a much sterner test against an undefeated side who were averaging over 50 points a game so far this season. On a wet, windy day the victory would surely go to the side who coped best with the poor conditions.

Knowing they were up against the team to beat, Watford started at a breakneck pace and were soon on the attack. Despite the much vaunted home sides pack showing a few changes from previous weeks, Watford’s front row of Bees, Philpott and Nelson showed once again that size is no match for skill and were completely dominant at the scrum. It was from the set piece that Watford opened their account, Martin Lee peeling off the back of a rolling maul to touch down virtually unopposed in the corner. Given the conditions, it was little surprise that the extras were missed to leave the score line 5-0 to the hosts.

Given how close the two sides were in the table, the tension was palpable and a scuffle involving both sets of forwards soon broke out. The end result was a player sent to the bin for Hendon, with both skippers told to take control or further yellows would follow. With tempers running high, another flair up saw Watford fly half Simon Bram also sent to the bin for a ten minute breather. In amongst the scuffles there was a fairly decent game of rugby being played in spite of the conditions, the physicality and commitment on display from both teams clear for all to see.

Midway through the first half, a Watford indiscretion at the breakdown allowed Hendon to register their first points of the half to get within 2 points of the hosts. This roused the home side, who once more went on the attack only to lose control of the ball just inside the opposition 22. A mighty drive from the Watford pack at the resultant scrum led to sloppy ball for the Hendon fly half who sliced his attempted clearance. Sam Holloway was solid under the high ball, and made significant ground back into the Hendon red zone. The ball was quickly recycled, and with Watford playing an advantage after a Hendon offside Luke Hammill ran a great line to take an inside pass from the recently returned Simon Bram and dot down.

Hendon struck back almost immediately from the restart, a Watford infringement at the ruck giving an easy three points away in front of the posts. With 5 minutes left of the half, the men in red, white and blue knew a score before half time would likely prove crucial. Excellent work from the Watford pack saw the ball mauled deep into the Hendon half, the visitors forced to halt the drive illegally. Given the packs dominance, the ball was kicked for a lineout on the last play of the game. Unfortunately for Watford, the throw in was judged not straight and the half ended with them 4 points ahead.

Whilst the first half had been a fairly even, cagey affair the second half saw Watford enjoy a greater share of territory and possession. The pack continued the fine form it had shown in the first half, secure at the set piece and grinding out the hard yards in the loose. A series of drives around the breakdown earned Watford a penalty shot, Bram’s kick drifting wide and knocked on by the Hendon player covering. The resulting scrum saw Watford drive the ball to within inches of the line, only for the Hendon 9 to come in and kick the ball away from Luke Hammill’s control. A second scrum was taken, Watford surprising the visitors by running it from the back with Simon Bram throwing a dummy and scoring in the corner. Unfortunately for the home side, the referee decided that Andy Lee had run a blocking line allowing Hendon to clear their lines.

However, Watford were not to be denied. The home sides kick chase had been excellent all afternoon, a clearing kick from Sean Silver saw the back line fly up and pressurise the Hendon cover into a fumble. Richard Yates pounced, dotting down the loose ball for a converted try and a 17-6 lead.

With time running out, Hendon showed why they are a team to be reckoned with and attacked Watford with a renewed vigour in an attempt to gain something from the game. In what was arguably the most pleasing aspect of the home side performance, the red line remained intact with every player fronting up in the face of some fearsome runs. Having weathered the storm, Watford themselves went on the attack. With the clock in the red zone, the ball was worked wide and Holloway selflessly passed to the industrious James Braun for a bonus point score in the corner, much to the delight of players and support alike.

Captain Martin Lee was understandably pleased with his sides performance. “Along with Saracens Amateurs, Hendon are the form team in this league and we knew we would have to be at our best to beat them today. I thought we controlled the game well in attack, but especially defence where our tactics and physicality were the best they have been all season. To stop a side like that from crossing the line is something we should be just as pleased with as registering the bonus point. That said, it counts for nothing if we don’t perform at Thamesians next week which is always a difficult place to get a result”.

Man of the Match: Paul Dunlop. Absolutely tireless in the loose, huge tackle count and great at the breakdown.

WotW: Simon Bram - naughty yellow card.