British Airways RFC 1st XV 19 Vs. 27 Watford RFC 1st XV

Man of the Match: John McClennon

It was the home side who started strongest, flying out of the blocks and looking to run the ball at Watford at every opportunity. The away side were somewhat shell-shocked, and BA deservedly took the lead 10 minutes in following on from a strong scrummage close to the visitors line. Going behind roused Watford, who finally took the game to their opponents. The Stag’s backline looked threatening every time they got the ball in hand, eventually crossing the line courtesy of Steve James. Philpott added the extras to level the scores. Watford were in the ascendancy, and a series of drives from the pack led to their second try, Munday picking from the base of a ruck and driving over. The away side were threatening to run away with the game, and further good work from the backs sent the pacey James clear for his second score of the day. Unfortunately, as is becoming a Watford characteristic, the Stags took their foot off the gas having got themselves back in the game. A lack of concentration at a BA scrum allowed the opposition 8 to pick and go, making good ground before offloading to a supporting player to score.  

The second half saw scoring chances at a premium for both teams, the game being contested in the middle of the pitch for the most part. The physical nature of the contest saw two Watford players forced off with injury, Walker suffering a cut head and Flint bleeding profusely from a gash above his eye. A break from flying winger Richard Yates took Watford deep into opposition territory, and with Watford pushing for the bonus BA were guilty of straying offside. Bennett took a quick tap penalty and passed to Lee, who crashed over for his 13^th score of the season. British Airways showed great heart in not letting their heads drop, and took the game to Watford with a renewed vigour. Unfortunately for them ill discipline at the breakdown gave Watford a penalty just inside Airways territory. Philpott exhibited a huge degree of confidence to attempt the kick, and held his nerve to score three valuable points. Needing two scores to get a losing bonus point, BA threw everything into trying to break the Watford line. Some excellent and highly committed defence meant they were repelled until the last play of the game, leading to a final score of 27-19 – probably a fair reflection on what was a hard fought contest.

 Skipper Flint was philosophical in victory. “British Airways are a good team, so to score four tries at their ground is something we can be proud of. That said, we are still to find our best form after the Christmas break. At some point we are going to come up against a team who will punish us for our lack of concentration throughout the entire 80 minutes.”

Next week Watford are looking to avenge their loss away to London Sprinboks, 2:15 K.O

Watford: Philpott, Flint (G. Wilson 50), Hicks, Makinson (Stevens 50), McLennon, Munday, Hammill, M. Lee, Bennett, Hopkins, James (Gilmore 45), Kiely, Walker, Yates, Butcher.

Tries: James x 2, Munday, M. Lee

Conversions: Philpott x 2

Penalties: Philpott x1