Pie's 300 Off To Winning Start

With both teams playing their first games of the season, the opening 20 minutes was a scrappy affair. Watford dominated possession and territory, and were soon on the score board through youngster Luke Diston, making his first senior appearance at flanker. Whilst the home side always looked dangerous with the ball in hand, Berkhamsted were enjoying the upper hand at the set piece which frequently got them out of trouble. Watford's pressure eventually told, departing flanker Greg Reeve crossing virtually unopposed after some quick thinking by scrum half Mark Hill. A third score was nearly added following a delicate kick through from fly half Andy Kiely. Centre Skinny John Portway won the race against his opposite number, but was judged to have narrowly missed out on dotting the ball down before it went dead. Despite their territorial advantage, Watford soon found themselves only a score ahead of the visitors. Guilty of playing too much rugby in the middle of the park, the hosts coughed up possession to the Berkhamsted winger who showed and excellent turn of pace to round the covering defence and score under the posts. This was unfortunately a regular occurrence during the first half, with Watford players trying to force offloads and passes when taking the contact would have been the better option. Berkhamsted drew themselves level with then minutes of the half left, ruthlessly punishing a Watford turnover. The hosts however finished the half stronger, fly half Kiely scoring after good work from winger Joel Gilmore.

The second half saw Watford revert to the game plan which had served them well in previous years. With speculative passing cut out, the hosts looked a lot more dangerous and were able to string numerous phases together. With Berkhamsted tiring, Portway ran an excellent line before outpacing the cover defence to score a fine solo try. The Watford pack were starting to gain parity at the scrum, with their superior fitness ensuring they were also winning the battle at the breakdown. Watford's fifth and final score came after Aaron Connolly peeled off the back of a 10 metre lineout, crashing through for a well worked try. The visitors were to have the last say however, scoring a consolation try at 75 minutes.

Watford will be satisfied to open with a win against a very experienced side, however there remains much to work on before the seasons first league game. Especially pleasing was the number of players making their Watford debut, all of whom played with the pride and commitment expected of a Watford player.

Watford 2nd XV: C. Routley, G. Hicks, G. Wilson, C. Stevens, M. Jenkins, A. Connolly, L. Diston, G. Reeve, M. Hill, A. Kiely, J. Gilmore, P. Cox, J. Portway, J. Fisher, S. Menzies

Subs: J. Watson, J. Tierny, G. Bridge, J. Beynon, M. Scouse, S. Hemmings, P. Wilson.

Tries:

Diston, Reeve, Kiely, Portway, Connolly

Con:

Menzies x 1