Stevenage 34 - 12 Watford 2nd XV - 06/01/07 |
|
Watford turned up at Stevenage with what must be one of the youngest second teams that they have ever fielded. Myself and Adam Creed were the old boys of the side by some distance, and we must have conceded about twenty stone to the opposition in the pack alone. The game was played on a heavy pitch in persistent rain throughout and it had been switched to a local school as the Stevenage pitches were unplayable due to waterlogging. Stevenage scored two tries (one converted) and a penalty in the first half to take them fifteen points ahead at the interval. They did not score their first try until well into the second quarter and at this point were reduced to kicking penalties as they were unable to breach a committed Watford defensive effort. Watford's line out with Kiely and Rose jumping and Hicks throwing functioned remarkably well and the fact that the scrums were uncontested meant that they were able to secure their own ball from the restarts. Watford's best chance of the half was a stunning counter attack initiated by Johnson who swapped passes with Kiely who put Paul Wilson in at the line though he lost the ball as he was tackled by the final defender.About 10 or 15 minutes into the second half Watford were reduced to 14 fit players after Paul Wilson who had looked threatening throughout kicked and chased over the Stevenage line but hurt his shoulder in the ensuing collision. Watford continued to battle gamely and played some of their best rugby in the final quarter when they scored their two tries, a great sidestep after a tapped penalty near the line from Kiely and hands down the line after recycling posession through several phases from outside centre Stuart.Gillies, Though the final scoreline may not look too healthy it is important to note the huge disparity in size and experience between the two sides. Also two of the Stevenage tries resulted from rolling mauls, which once started were almost impossible to stop. Further Watford did get the ball over the line on two further occasions where if scores had resulted a completely different complexion would have been on the score. It was a pleasure to play alongside such a youthful, pacy and enthusiastic bunch of players who kept tackling and chasing right to the end and inportantly played for each other and looked like they were enjoying themselves. No one player should be singled out for special praise though all the young players, playing our of position in the pack deserve it for continually punching above their weight and never letting their heads drop in difficult circumstances and conditions. There was a lot of potential and spirit shown, lets hope that a few experienced heads can be added (particularly to the tight five) to take it on and make the team the force that they could and should be. Watford - Ricky, Hicks, Gary Wilson, Stevenage Player, Rose, Tucker, Kiely, Johnson, Terry, Creed, Paul Wilson, Scott, Gillies, Lamby, Frankish. Tries - Stuart Kiely Conversion - Johnson Report - Andy Frankish |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|