South Oxhey 5 Vs 37 Watford

South Oxhey 5 Vs 37 Watford

Watford progressed to the second round of the Herts Presidents Trophy following victory over local rivals South Oxhey.

Despite having 11 first team squad members missing through injury and unavailability, Watford started well and controlled territory and possession in the opening phases. South Oxhey were able to repel the away sides efforts, and used their first spell of possession to score a well worked try following an excellent offload from their stand off. This roused Watford, and excellent direct running from Luke Bees and Simon Tucker made inroads deep into South Oxhey territory. The ball was eventually worked out to wide to Paul Dunlop, who continued his excellent scoring record to go over in corner. This was soon followed up by a try from fellow back row Reeve after a strong run from centre Andy Lee, to make the half time score 14-5 to Watford.

With the slope and wind in their favour, Watford eased away in the second half. Flying winger Oguntade showed great pace and an excellent step to score, before Hopkins was the beneficiary of a strong Watford scrum 5 metres from the Oxhey line. Watford, having slightly struggled in the set piece in the first half were now gaining the upper hand come scrum time, credit to half time substitute Sanchez Philpott who had a fine match in both loose and tight. Watford put the result beyond doubt with two penalties from number 10 Tom McGee, the second a monstrous strike from long range. A fine day for Watford was capped when Marcus Makinson scored his first try for the club from close range.

Skipper Flint was pleased with his sides display. “Given the number of players missing this week, it was always going to be a tough ask to come away and put in a performance. All credit to the lads who stepped up, it shows a marked increase in squad depth and strength from previous years. I also have to thank the travelling fans, who were a real inspiration and helped everyone on the pitch up their game.”

Watford will be aiming to get their league campaign back on track at home to Old Tottonians this weekend, 2:15 kick off.

Watford: Sedgley, Flint, Bees (Philpott 41), Tucker, Makinson,  Munday (P. Wilson 50), Dunlop, Reeve, Hopkins, McGee, Oguntade, A. Lee, Dennies (Cox 41), Langan, Kiely.

Tries: Dunlop, Reeve, Oguntade, Hopkins, Makinson

Conversions: McGee x 3

Penalties: McGee x 2