Checkmate

Words from George Hicks

With kick off delayed due to a referee no-show, the game luckily borrowed the official due to take on the colts game and this quarter final could get up and running. The home sides gameplan was clear form the outset - powerful runners hitting the line at pace in an attempt to break through. Fortunately, Watford had Max playing like a man possessed, making two or even three concurrent hits to thwart the home side. Having absorbed a ferocious start from Chess, Watford opened the scoring after a break from Bradley put in Max for the 1st try of the morning. Extras from Aaron, 7-0.

Our tails were up, Jimmy with a now trademark carry from the back of the scrum drew in numerous defenders before being hauled down just short of the line. Quick ball from Ted at 9 gave Aaron a simple finish for another 7 pointer.

With half time looming, Watford began to take the hosts on at their own game with the visiting pack embarking on some huge carries. Cameron popped inside to Aaron to score again, however he couldn't quite add the extras making the half time score 0-19 to Wats.

Unfortunately we lost the referee to the colts game at half time, however a big thank you to the Valley coach who stepped in to take on the second half. With 2nd row Matthew leading from the front, the pack continues their fine work from earlier giving the backs the freedom and space to break the line seemingly at will. This led to Bradley scoring and converting his own try to put us 26 points to the good.

This roused Chess who showed great heart to come back strongly, scoring two well worked tries of their own to give them a deserved 12 points.

Watford however had the last say, flanker Liam doing the damage before offloading to Aaron who completed his 3rd hat trick in 3 games.

Watford's reward is a semi-final against Bishops Stortford, time and date to be confirmed.

Back of day Max - Tackled anything and everything that moved (often more than once), chipping in with a great try as well.

Forward of the day Matthew - Great at the set piece, carried hard and tackled strongly.