Despite a few showers earlier in the week, the sun came out at Radlett Road making conditions perfect for free flowing, running rugby. The visitors started the stronger of the two sides, Watford struggling to get hold of the ball in the first 5 minutes. Despite this, it was pleasing to see the defensive frailties of previous weeks addressed with all home players putting in a great shift defensively.

The men in red eventually got hold of the ball and were immediately on the attack. A Haringey offside was kicked to touch, Watford’s subsequent catch and drive being halted illegally. Playing the advantage, some lovely interplay between the Watford backs resulted in Sam Holloway crossing for his first of the afternoon.

This was soon followed by a score for James Horrocks almost immediately from the restart, a superb break from second row Jon McClennon finished off with aplomb in the corner. Watford looked threatening every time they had the ball in hand, without the ball huge defensive hits ensured they soon regained possession with Holloway providing the pick of the bunch in the first half.

A Watford penalty was kicked to touch, the hosts on the scoreboard once again following a trademark score from skipper Martin Lee. The bonus point was now in sight, Watford pushing hard to secure maximum points before half time. Horrocks, enjoying a fine game on the blindside flank finished off a sweeping move to give the home side the bonus point they needed in order to stay in the promotion hunt.

With time running out in the second half, a Haringey counter attack was halted just short of the Watford line thanks to a fine covering tackle from Wilkinson. Unfortunately the winger saw yellow for his subsequent effort to intercept, final score of the half 22-0 to Watford.

Unfortunately for Watford, despite a strong first half showing both Andy Lee and Mark Hill were forced off injured at half time prompting a reshuffle in the back line. This was not to stop the home sides onslaught though, Wilkinson scoring a great long rage effort after excellent work from Greg Reeve who soon showed his pace to score one of his own.

Frustratingly, the home side switched off allowing Haringey a try their perseverance deserved but soon hit back thanks to a second score for Wilkinson. A period of Haringey pressure followed, Watford’s defence switching off to allow a converted score from a pre planned move.

The tit for tat nature of the second half continued as Watford struck back with a try of their own once again. Excellent interplay between forwards and backs saw substitute Sean Silver halted just short of the line, Holloway picking and driving over form short range for his second of the afternoon. More good work from the restart saw Watford win a scrum 5 metres out, Martin Lee popping to Ian Butcher for Watford’s 9th try.

In a highly entertaining game there was still room for more drama. A Haringey break seemed almost certain to result in a try only for a wonderful tackle from Wilkinson to halt the man just short. Watford were guilty of killing the ball at the subsequent breakdown, Butcher seeing yellow for throwing the ball away. Watford turned their backs, Haringey tapping to cross under the sticks unopposed.

With time almost up, Wilkinson completed a thoroughly deserved hat trick. Final score Watford 60 – 17 Haringey.

Watford were rightly happy with their afternoons work, despite a few lapses in concentration allowing Haringey to score. Despite having a reputation as a forward orientated wet-weather team, we showed that with the right conditions the side can play open, entertaining rugby. The back division looked threatening every time they had the ball in hand, the pack once more supplying a solid platform. Watford need a favour from Haringey this weekend in order to stay in the promotion hunt, their final league game of the season being at home against Thamesians on the 16th April.