Watford Win Penultimate League Game

Following a bruising loss in the County Cup semi-final earlier in the week, the hosts fielded a side with 10 changes to the starting XV from earlier in the week. Thankfully this didn’t hamper Watford, who started like the proverbial house on fire with a trademark score for Nwefo who demonstrated no little pace and power to go under the sticks from half way. Extras added by Tullett, 7-0 Watford.

Watford were in the ascendancy, the set piece far steadier than previous matches which allowed the young, pacey back line (and Bram) to thrive. Following excellent ball retention and patience, Adam Hancock powered over despite the close attentions of the Pinner full back. Extras once more added by Keelan, 14-0.

The subsequent re-start was gathered by Luke Hammill, returning to the 1st XV after a lengthy injury lay off. Hammill went on a barnstorming run, showing he has lost none of his ball-carrying appetite during his lay off before a sumptuous offload gave Silver a run in under the posts for 21-0.

Watford were in full flow, Pinner defence becoming increasingly ragged. After one high tackle too many, the visitors second row saw yellow after a high hit on winger Jack Upton. Upton soon got his revenge, dotting down after a stags maul was halted just short of the line. Keelan was once more imperious with the boot, 28-0.

With the bonus point in the bag before half time, the home sides tails were up. Pinner, with nothing to lose, threw caution to the wind resulting in an intercept try for centre Same Holloway and a score line of 35-0 at half time.

The Stags started the second half as they finished the first, Bees seemingly clean through only to lose the ball in the act of grounding (video evidence suggesting otherwise). Watford were not to be denied however, a fine flowing move involving both forwards and backs finally seeing Pitsialis of all people launch a wonderful floated pass to Routley who cantered through for Watford’s 6th. Definite shades of Jamie George from the hooker / flanker.

This was followed by a typically pacey second score from Upton, before Pitsialis wrapped up proceedings from a Watford point of view with a well-deserved score of his own. Exocet Kiki nailed every kick for a perfect return from the tee, pinner showing great heart to score a deserved consolation at the end of the game.

All in all, a polished, professional performance from Watford. Given the turnaround in personnel after the midweek game, some excellent individual performances have given the coaches plenty to think about for the final two matches of the season.

Watford travel to undefeated league champions London Scottish this weekend, before hosting the same side in the league cup final on the 13th April. Both matches kick off at 15:00, all support appreciated.

MOTM – Luke Hammill. Outstanding return from the flanker with a display full of carries and tackles.

WOTW – Can’t remember. Probably Bees,