Cuffley 1st XV 14 vs 14 Watford 1st XV

Man of the Match: Martin Lee

Cuffley 1st XV 14 vs 14 Watford 1st XV
 
Watford have only themselves to blame after missing out on a golden opportunity to edge themselves away from the relegation zone following an event filled draw away to Cuffley. The result was all the more disappointing given the fact the home side played the majority of the game with 14 men, following a straight red to the Cuffley 10.
 
in conditions which were unsuited to flowing, adventurous rugby, both sides started the game cautiously. Posession was kicked away regularly, and neither team looked at all likely to break the game line with any regularity. With the first 15 minutes passing by rather uneventfully, the game suddenly sparked into life. Skipper Wilson fielded a kick deep in his own 22, opting to return the ball downfield with an up and under. The Cuffley fly half, in a moment of madness shoulder barged Wilson as he made to chase his own kick starting a brawl involving several players from both sides. Onced the melee had finally died down, both captians were called across for a few words from the official. For reasons known only to himself, the Cuffley skipper opted to unleash a barrage of abuse on the referee, leading to an instant dismissal.
 
Far from causing the home side to capitulate, the loss of their captain seemed to galvanise Cuffley who played an intelligent territorial game which kept Watford on the back foot. The pressure eventually told, with Watford conceding a try following a 5 metre scrum. The extras were added, giving the home side a 7 point lead after 20 minutes. Watford finally came to their senses, and began to play some intelligent rugby. A series of drives from the pack led to quick ball from the backline, with Bernarius sent through to score, only to be called back for a dubious forward pass. Watford continued to attack the Cuffley line, and Bartram was unlucky not to score in the corner following good work from Braun and Snelson. The away side finally got themselves on the board from the unlikeliest of sources. No 8 Lee found himself in space just inside the opposition half, and after throwing a dummy turned on the after burners to beat the Cuffley cover before barrelling through the full back and scoring under the posts. Philpott, kicking for the first time this season added the extras to bring the scores level. Lee should have added a second moments later, however the try was disallowed after a technical error from a tap penalty. The game became a scrappy afair as half time approached, the whistle bringing a halt to what had turned into an entertaining, if flawed game of rugby.
 
Watford began the second half as they ended the first, and with Bernarius in imperious form in the lineout things were looking good for the away side. Indeed, it was from a lineout in the Cuffley 22 that Watford's next score came. After a series of drives from the pack the ball worked its way out to Bartram, who stepped two of the opposition players before powering over the line to give Watford the lead for the first time in the match. Philpott again added the extras, taking the score to 7-14 Watford. Unfortunately all the away sides hard work came undone directly from the kick off. A fumble from the restart allowed the Cuffley flanker to hack the ball on, and fly half Kiely was left with little option other than to carry the ball back over his own line, conceding a 5 metre scrum from which Cuffley scored a push over try. The conversion was added, bringing the scores level. With 7 minutes left, Watford turned down a difficult three points, opting for the lineout. Unfortunately, for the first time all match the Watford set piece failed, and the game ended a draw.
 
Skipper Wilson had mixed feeligns after the game. "We should have had the result wrapped up by half time, and can only blame ourselves for not converting pressure into points. Still, there are positives to be taken and our future in the league remains in our own hands." Watford have three league games remaining, the next being away to London French.
 
Man of the Match: Martin Lee
 
Watford 1st XV: G. Wilson, P. Wilson, Philpott, Hill, Stevens (Bridge 70), Bernarius, Jenkins (Reeve 55), Lee, Bennett, Tucker, Kiely, Braun, Bartram, Snelson, James.