Hatfield 1st XV 19 Vs 25 Watford 1st XV

Man of the Match: James Braun

With both sides posting similar results for the duration of the season, Watford always knew that Hatfield were likely to pose one of their sternest tests of the year. On a pitch ill suited to the away sides trademark running rugby, it was the hosts who scored first. A lineout within Watford’s 22 saw Hatfield set up a rolling maul which proved impossible to stop. The extras were added meaning Watford found themselves 7-0 down within the first 5 minutes. Poor conditions and strong Hatfield scrummaging and rucking meant Watford were struggling to generate quality ball for their pacy back line. 15 minutes in the away side stole a Hatfield lineout, Hicks doing well to secure the ball and make good ground. For the first time in the match Watford were able to give their back line quality ball, and the most was made of it when James Braun slid in for his maiden first team score of the season. Braun was soon back on the score sheet, Martin Lee breaking through to find himself one on one with the full back. He drew his man before releasing the industrious winger to run in his second. Going behind for the first time, Hatfield roused themselves and exerted increasing pressure on the Watford pack. The home sides rolling maul was in devastating form, and a second score was added and converted allowing Hatfield to regain the lead which they kept till half time.

Attacking down the slope in the second half, Watford used their ball carriers to good effect. With the gain line constantly being broken it seemed a matter of time before the Stags would cross the whitewash. Following on from a break by the excellent Stephen James, pressure at the breakdown on Hatfield’s line by Hammill and Bennett saw the scrum half dot down for his first score of the season. Watford secured the bonus point 10 minutes later, Butcher capitalising on a Hatfield fumble and showing an excellent turn of pace to run in from fully 70 meters. Philpott soon added a penalty meaning Hatfield needed a converted try to secure a losing bonus point. The home side attacked with a renewed ferocity, and the physicality of the game reached new peaks. With Watford coming under increasing pressure, Hammill was sent to the bin for a professional foul. Hatfield capitalised on his absence and shipped the ball to their centre, who took advantage of some sloppy Watford tackling to score. The conversion bought the hosts to within 6 points of the visitors, and the final 5 minutes saw Watford repel constant waves of Hatfield pressure. With both teams out on their feet, a Hatfield fumble bought the game to an end.

Skipper Flint had nothing but praise for both sides following an enthralling end to what had been a pulsating game. “That was one of our hardest games this year. The Hatfield pack were in excellent nick, and it was a real battle up front. Fortunately we showed just enough nous to hold out for the victory, and to secure a bonus point was a real plus. All credit to Hatfield, who fully deserved their losing bonus point and once again gave us a great match.”

Watford have no game this weekend, 6 nations to be shown at the clubhouse from 1 pm.

Watford: Philpott, Flint, Hicks (Lee 15), Wilson, McClennon, Munday, Dunlop, Hammill, Bennett (Botha 60), Butcher, Braun, Kiely, Cox, Yates (Gilmore 65), James

Tries: Braun x 2, Bennett, Butcher

Conversions: Philpott x 1

Penalties: Philpott x 1