Watford 2nd XV 0 - 10 UCL Old Boys - 04/11/06 |
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The kick off was delayed due to the referee not materialising and as a result it was agreed that two 30 minute halves would be played. Many thanks go to Dennis Reilly who capably stepped in at the last minute and did a great job controlling a game that he helped ensure was played in the right spirit.
The first half was dominated by the away side who were able to camp in the Watford half and managed to create several good chances. Watford however were defending ferociously, playing with spirit and held up UCL players over the line on at least two or three occasions. Their frustration was evident in their decision late in the second quarter to take three easy points in front of the post rather than kick for the corner. With a three point lead assured, UCL added to their lead on the stroke of half time when their scrum half scrambled over at the bottom of a melee of defenders to score. The conversion was added to take the half time score to 10-0 to the away side. The second half was a different story, Watford came out more aggressively and if anything dominated territorially. Winger's Paul Wilson and 'Adie' making his debut for the club both made great breaks that could have led to scores but were unsupported. UCL's fly half was reduced to repeatedly and cleverly clearing his lines through kicks as his side were unable to make inroads up the pitch in open play. About ten minutes into the second period acting skipper Adam Creed had to leave the fray, due to an unfortunate collision involving the stand in referee which left him with some damage to his jaw.. As a result Stephenson moved inside to 10 and Rose came on at outside centre. Undeterred Watford continued to plug away and mount attacks but ultimately could not breach the UCL line. Throughout Watford battled but were ultimately beaten by a side who were more cohesive and clearly looked like they had played together more often. However there were good performances, throughout the side allied to brave and spirited defence. Hopefully the nucleus of that side, strengthened by other returning players will be able to put up improved performances starting at Chess Valley next week. Watford - Rymill, Bennett, Tank, Smith, Davis, Gary Wilson, Hicks, Mullins, Terry, Creed (Rose), Paul Wilson, Stephenson, Paddy, Adie, Frankish. Men of the Match - Stephenson, Bennett. |
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