Watford Back to Winning Ways

Finding themselves back at St Mary’s University, Watford were keen to banish bad memories of their previous trip having lost with the last play of the game against Thamesians at the same venue a matter of weeks ago.

Conditions were far from ideal, a gale force wind blowing from one end of the pitch to the other making it difficult to play an expansive, fast paced game. Despite this, both sides attempted to give the ball some width early on and the opening exchanges promised a free flowing encounter.

Watford started the stronger side, powerful carrying from Andy Lee and Jon McClennon in particular gaining the visitors some much needed hard yards. Harlequins however defended stoutly, putting in some big hits to make sure the visitors were held at bay. It took a moment of individual magic to break the deadlock, winger Richard Yates finding himself with the ball in hand out wide. Despite minimal room to work in Yatesy hared down the wing, stepped the full back and scored in the corner to put Watford 0-5 up and register a cracking individual score.

Bram inexplicably missed the conversion even though it was on the touchline, into the wind and he didn’t have a tee. Josh can’t return from injury soon enough.

Watford’s cause wasn’t helped when Andy Lee left the field with a head injury causing a back line reshuffle, and suddenly Watford looked vulnerable. Repeated Quins charges were repelled with some admirable defence, Luke Hammill making a welcome return to shore up the back line with some trademark tackling. Harlequins continued to push, and their tenacity was rewarded with a penalty to bring themselves within two points.

The half finished 5-3, Watford knowing they were in a battle against a Quins side who were clearly a better team than their league position suggested.

Despite Watford enjoying the benefit of the wind following the break, the game continued to be very evenly contested with territory and possession being shared equally. It took a moment of madness to break the deadlock, James Horrocks running at pace, into space to score. If he wants to keep the 8 shirt, James needs to look for more contact / knock ons when scoring, or run them in from no further than 2 metres. Bram managed to convert, 12-5 Watford.

Quins immediately struck back, some uncharacteristic weak tackling from Watford allowing them to make significant yardage up the middle. The breakdown was cleared quickly, subsequent quick ball giving the home side a deserved try, the extras bringing the score within two.

Watford sides of old may well have crumbled under pressure, however the team rallied and went back on the attack. A well directed kick from Bram pinned Quins on their 5 metre line, the subsequent lineout was overthrown allowing Dave Kingsford (who had been enjoying a fine game) to pounce for an opportunistic score.

With time running out, Watford were in the ascendancy and pushing for the bonus point. Things finally started to click, small moments going the visitors way. Mark Hill, a strong candidate for man of the match, produced a moment of magic fielding a tricky kick under pressure, dummying his own return before scampering up the touchline and launching the ball downfield to cheers of ‘ole’ from the three Watford fans.

Pie then produced his own moment of magic, throwing a lineout directly to the Harlequins fly half in order to maintain his 50% stats.

Watford finally registered their fourth score, Greg Reeve running an excellent line to score under the sticks. The remainder of the game was played out in the midfield, final score 26-10 to Watford.

Watford can be pleased with their display, however there is clearly work to do in the new year. Credit to Harlequins, who we probably underestimated given their league position. If their players remain fit and available, they will certainly be working their way up the table in no time at all.