Watford fielded a side with a few changes from the previous weeks game against Chess Valley, Georgio Pitsialis earning a call up to the front row and flying winger Richard Yates earning his first start of the season with Greg Reeve partnering Sam ‘Hot Hot Hot’ (watch the video highlights) in the centre in the absence of James Horrocks.

The home team started solidly if not spectacularly, individuals showing up well but the team struggling with their fluency as a whole. Without sounding like a broken record, the scrum was once again excellent. Pitsialis showed up well in the tight at hook, Greyling and Nelson turning the screw when it came to the set piece. Watford eventually opened the scoring, Greyling thundering through the middle of the pitch to put his side 5-0 up. Wilkinson’s usual accuracy from the tee deserted him, probably due to the fact his lip injury looked like a ‘social disease’ and affected his concentration.

The patchy nature of the game continued for the remainder of the first half. West London slotted a penalty to get within two points without ever seriously threatening the Watford line. For the men in red passes too often went to ground or were off target, making it difficult to maintain any serious momentum.

Half time came as a relief and a chance for Watford to address the issues of the first half. With a few small tweaks there was no reason we wouldn’t be able to push on to secure the win and (hopefully) the bonus point which would surely be crucial to keep pace with the league leaders.

The home side were a different outfit in the second half and looked to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Luke Hammill led by example, carrying strongly into the heart of the West London defence ably supported by man of the match JR Greyling and blindside flanker Adam Hancock. The breakdown work became cleaner and more precise, fly half Ian Butcher enjoying those crucial extra seconds on the ball. A Watford attack was held up just short, the pack did their steamroller impression for Hammill to dot down. This was soon followed with a try for Josh Wilkinson, who converted his own score to give the home side some breathing space.

With Watford needing one further try to take the maximum five points, the hosts laid siege to the West London line. Tempers became frayed, Paul the pest losing his rag (and scrum hat) in a friendly altercation with the visiting teams 13. Some really mean things were said by both of them, Pest being on the receiving end of a particularly nasty accusation of being a ‘pansy’. Thankfully at the next scrum they shared a cuddle, before the Watford pack once more marched Hammill over the line for his second and the teams all important fourth score of the afternoon.

There was still time for Josh to add a second of his own, a lovely crash line off Butcher taking him over the line. The visitors rallied and went looking for a consolation score. A searing break looked almost certain to result in a try before Tom Gordon came in like a wrecking ball to halt the attack just short and cap a highly promising maiden first team appearance.

Thamesians surprise loss to Bank means there is now a four way tie at the top of the table, the league shaping up to be one of the most open contests in years. Watford travel to Old Isleworthians this weekend before a welcome week off.

MotM – Roelfy. Scrummaged, carried and tackled as well as scoring a try
WotW – Pest. Pested, lost his scrum hat and got called a pansy.