Admittedly, the score line doesn’t make for pleasant reading. There’s no hiding from the fact we were given a bit of a hiding, which to be fair was expected given the difference in league position between ourselves and our hosts, the league Champions London Welsh.

To start, one must give a huge deal of credit to London Welsh. Many of the Watford players commented after that this was probably the best side we had ever come up against (including Bram, and he’s played at Twickenham don’t you know). The speed of thought and action from 1-15 was exceptional, nearly every single Watford mistake being punished with 7 points. Well done lads and we wish you the best of luck for next season.

Rather than give a blow by blow account of each Welsh score (which won’t happen as I can’t remember all 12 tries…) there were a few highlights from a Watford perspective which would be good to point out for those who were unable to make the journey down. Firstly, Welsh were incredibly accommodating in the build-up and kindly invited our travelling supporters to a members lunch before the game. By all accounts the food was excellent, followed by a performance from the London Welsh Male Voice Choir which was thoroughly enjoyed.

From a playing perspective, other than the sub-tropical temperatures in the changing rooms it was a nice touch to read our names in a programme prior to then hearing the line ups over the tanoy. In terms of the game, the score-line speaks for itself however it doesn’t convey some fine individual performances and a committed effort from the entire Watford squad who never let their heads drop. Highlights included a superb covering tackle from full back Tom Gordon, along with hard running in the centres from Dunners and Sam. The pack were industrious, managing to turn over a Welsh scrum on our own 5m line which didn’t go down well. Hammill, in his last game a Captain, put in a superb performance leading from the front both offensively and defensively as he always does. Dunners now has a nice scar after channelling his inner flanker and trying to tackle the Welsh hooker with his face. The best part of the day however was despite the fact we were (to put it mildly) up against it, not once did our heads drop and we never stopped trying to get onto the scoresheet. As opposed to other hidings away from home (Wasps and Actonians spring to mind) where we didn’t give a good account of ourselves at all, this weekend it was a pleasure to pull on the Watford shirt. It’s a great feeling to have your mates grafting with you regardless of the match already being lost, and just goes to show how special our club really is.

A huge thank you of course goes to our travelling support, who’s voices were a constant source of encouragement during the long walks from behind our sticks back up to halfway .

Finally, congratulations and thank you to Mark Trude, Dave Ainsley and Luke Hammill who step down from their roles s Coaches and Captain respectively. In a tough season their commitment and support has been constant, thanks very much for everything gents.

MOTM – Martin Lee for carrying hard in the face of adversity.

WOTW – Simon Bram for tackling people by the winkle.