Knowing that a win would take them into the promotion spots, Watford were keen to start strongly. Whilst the hosts enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, Uxbridge’s defensive discipline frustrated the men in red for the first 15 minutes. Poor conditions under foot made scrummaging difficult, and whilst Watford won all of their own put ins they were unable to exert their usual pressure on the opposition feed.

The deadlock was eventually broken with Martin Lee scoring a trademark try from just inside the opposition 22, a well struck conversion by Josh Wilkinson putting Watford 7-0 up. Unfortunately rather than using this to kick on and increase their score, Watford switched off. A spirited phase of possession for Uxbridge saw them rewarded with a penalty, coolly converted to deservedly bring them within four points.

The home side finally got their act together, and for the final 15 minutes of the half enjoyed the lions share of territory and possession. James Powell and James Braun both looked threatening in attack, Powell in particular regularly breaking the gain line and looking to offload to supporting runners. Centres Sam Holloway and Andy Lee were their usual physical selves, powerful running making regular inroads into the strong Uxbridge defence.

Despite their dominance, Watford were unable to add to the score. A lack of discipline in the opposition 22 from the home side, excellent Uxbridge defence and a difference in opinion with the referee on just about every aspect of the game meant the scoreboard remained unchanged at half time.

Watford were clearly frustrated during the half time huddle, not helped when Uxbridge scored out wide almost immediately from the restart. With their unbeaten home record and opportunity to take second under serious threat, the home side finally switched on and started to play the rugby they knew they were capable of. Watford were able to string numerous phases of possession together, willing to work hard and grind their way up the pitch rather than looking to score from first phase ball every time. Winger Braun was hauled down just short of the try line, flanker james Horrocks on hand to pick up and gracefully dive over the mess of bodies on the floor to touch down. Uxbridge replied with a well struck penalty however the home side added their third soon after, Lee and Dunlop combining to send the latter over from close range.

With 10 minutes left, Watford were awarded a scrum 5 metres out from the Uxbridge try line. Skipper Lee benefitted from his packs hard work and dotted down for the bonus point, however the visitors had the last say when a Watford fumble on half way allowed them a break away score and well deserved losing bonus point with the final play of the game.

A far from vintage Watford showing, though credit must go to Uxbridge who frustrated us for long periods and will be look to be climbing the table with similar performances. That said the sign of a good side is being able to grind out results when things don’t go your way, and our ability to constantly pick up bonus points will stand us in good stead come the business end of the season.

Watford’s final game of phase one is away to Old Isleworthians this weekend, a win guaranteeing us starting in second place when phase 2 kicks off on the second weekend of February.