Watford First XV Defeat London French in 11 Try Romp

A horrible wet day greeted Watford as they made the familiar, long journey to London French RFC. But this didn't dampen the Watford boys spirits as the rain subsided and the pitch was soft to firm, perfect conditions for rugby!

A shortened, focused warm up was just the ticket this week, as Watford struck early on through winger Kingsley Nwefo, who was on the end of some simple hands from the Watford back line. The first of his four tries that day, Kingsley rampaged through any defender brave enough to try and tackle him, the sight of him speeding through under the posts was truly something to behold.

Ben Wilson was as 9 this week and did a great job in organizing the attack and distributing the ball out for the backs to work their magic, as well as sticking the tackles in (on the odd occasion French had the ball).

Pulling the strings at 10 was Scott Menzies, back from his pilgrimage to Japan for RWC. He certainly didn't leave his kicking boots in Tokyo as he converted 8 of Watford's 11 tries and pinned French back in open play and from Penalties with his kicks. His distribution was key in releasing those outside backs. He also bagged himself a try in the corner.

Skipper Simon Bram found himself at 12 again making some hard carries, strong tackles and showing some great distribution to really unlock the French defence.

The speedy and elegant Stephen James was at 13, slicing through gaps, kicking and chasing his own ball and setting up a number of the scores with his silky hands .

Profiting from the 10,12,13 spine was full back Josh Wilkinson, back at his rampant best scoring 2 tries. The first a simple unders play straight through the middle, the second a chased grubber to dot down just before the dead ball line off a Jamesy kick.

The only back not to get on the score sheet was Hadyn Cole on the right wing. However his exceptional running and footwork certainly provided the platform for a number of the scores and allowed Watford to get the front foot ball they needed to really control the game from minute 1.

Jack Upton came on from the bench and showed his considerable pace once again. Counter attacking well from fullback, Upton finished off a nice move to score in the second half.

However the backs can't do their job without the hard graft of the forwards, and graft they did. Every scrum was a nightmare for the French pack as Bees, Gordon and Cunningham shoved them back at every opportunity. Countless turnovers gave Watford great counter attacking ball, and the scrums French did win were disrupted and easily defendable.

Beesy carried hard and set up Kingsley in the second half (with a goose step for good measure) , as well as running a nice line and scoring himself in the first half.

Gordon had an immense carrying game, picking gaps and lines to really get Watford going forward with style, as well as his usual defensive display.

Cunningham carried strongly and smashed anyone who came near him at ruck time, a classic prop forwards performance.

In the Second row were Jon McClennon and Chris Routley, both of whom played their normal, industrious game. Running, carrying, tackling and making great yardage. Big Chris showed the presence of mind to offload to Giorgio for a great try in the second half.

As well as a try, Giorgio Pitsialis was all over the park, making tackles and turnovers as he went. He also carried and distributed well in attack to help provide the width Watford had to score out wide.

Chris Dixon was clinical at the Watford line out and a menace to the French line out, popping up for a number of strong midfield carries and being a nuisance at ruck time capped a great performance from him.

Liam Meredith was in at number 8 this week, and made a number of strong carries throughout the game. He finished the day off with a try on 80 minutes from the base of yet another dominant Watford scrum.

Tim Peck came on in the forwards and proved to be too much for the French to handle, stealing a huge number of their lineouts and making some no nonsense carries and tackles.

Jake Landen came on and provided his usual brand of big carries and tackles, getting around the park and over the ball at ruck time, the last thing a tired London French pack wanted to see coming off the bench!

London French did eventually manage to shove over for a try at some point in the second half.

An all round team performance saw Watford triumph 71-5!

Words by Liam Meredith