Watford Qualify for Phase 2

Knowing that a win was needed to guarantee a top six finish for the phase Watford started well and dominated the early exchanges, particularly up front with the tight 5 enjoying a huge amount of success at the set piece. It was a powerful scrum which gave the platform for the home sides opening try with Wilkinson cutting a lovely line from full back. The speedster still had it all to do but finished with aplomb, rounding his opposite number for a fine try. Extras added by the in-form Menzies, 7-0 Watford.

7 soon became 12, Pinner straying offside to give Watford good field position from the subsequent penalty. The pack were in fine fettle, Martin Lee driving over for his first of the afternoon. Lee added his second with a powerful finish in the opposite corner from his first, Menzies taking the score to 19-0 within the first 20 minutes.

With the game threatening to run away from them, Pinner began to establish a foothold and gradually increased their share of territory and possession. After a sustained period of pressure the visitors eventually scored a well-deserved try after a kick through into the corner, however Watford would have the last say of the period with two further scores. Josh Wilkinson benefitted from indecision in the Pinner back line to dot down before Nwefo scored a trademark try which fully exhibited the wingers pace and power.

Half time and Watford were cruising with the bonus point in the bag and progression the Phase 2 in the league all but guaranteed. The leadership group were clear that the job was far from done, memories of letting a 31-5 lead against table topping Ealing before Christmas still fresh in the memory.

Thankfully lightning was not to strike twice and the second half played out much the same way as the first. The Watford scrum continued to be totally dominant on both feeds, rarely allowing Pinner to provide their back line with clean ball. Chris Dixon continues where Jon McClennon left off and was a constant menace to the visitors lineout whilst being a regular banker for our own throw. Nwefo his second in similar fashion to his first following good work from Skipper Simon Bram and Steve James, followed by Pinner adding their second after a period of sustained pressure on the Stags line.

However, Watford were to have the final say. Firstly, Martin Lee completed his hat trick with a powerful finish in the corner before Ottewill scored with the final play of the game following more good work from the impressive A. Routley.

A final score of 52-10 was no more than Watford deserved and despite an impressive scoreline they will feel there is more in the tank. With Phase One of the league now complete, Watford qualified for Phase 2 in sixth place. After a promising outing against Pinner, they will be keen to continue progressing.

This weekend the 1st XV host Chess Valley in the quarter final of the Herts Presidents Trophy, kick off at 14:00.

MOTM – Luke Bees / Chris Routley. Part of a fine forward performance, both carried superbly whilst being key cogs in a dominant set piece.