Sudbury London Springboks 1st XV 33 Vs 17 Watford 1st XV

Man of the Match: Luke Hammill

On a day well suited to the running rugby which has become Watford’s trademark this season, the game got off to the worst possible start. Within the first 5 minutes the home side pumped the ball upfield. Watford full back James appeared to comfortably ground the ball before the home teams winger, however the referee disagreed and awarded a try, much to the bemusement of the away side. Rather than rousing Watford, this early set back seemed to spread uncertainty throughout the team, and the Boks added another two tries following on from Watford errors. Midway through the half the visitors finally roused themselves and hit back. Hooker Sanchez continued his excellent form with the boot by slotting a penalty, before Hopkins scooted over from close range following a series of drives from the pack. Watford managed to sustain the pressure, and a strong scrum close to the opposition try line resulted in sloppy ball for the Bok’s 10. With the ball bouncing around in the in-goal area, flanker Dunlop appeared to ground for a try. Again, the rub of the green was not with the Stags and a 22 drop out was awarded. With Watford threatening to get back into the game, Sudbury upped their efforts and scored a further try on the stroke of half time.

Despite stern words during the interval, Watford soon conceded their 5^th try of the afternoon. Again, the away side can blame no one but themselves after sloppy hands conceded possession within their own 22. Sudbury scored again soon after, a powerful run  from the opposition centre seeing him crash through weak Watford tackles from 20 metres out. Watford rallied late on, Lee making good ground from a tap penalty before being hauled down just short of the line. The ball was recycled and Man of the Match Hammill was put through to score from close range.

Skipper Flint, making his first appearance after an extended injury enforced break, was livid following on from the final whistle. “How anyone on that pitch today can walk off and be proud of their display is beyond me. The attitude was poor from the majority of players, and most of the lads had their worst game of the season. This should act as a wakeup call, three good results doesn’t mean people can suddenly stop putting the hard work in during the week. I expect everyone to double their efforts on the training pitch next week, as things will only get tougher.”

Next week sees Watford at home to unbeaten Harrow, 3 pm kick off.

Watford 1^st XV: G. Wilson, Philpott, Hicks, Hammill, Makinson, Munday (Dorricott 65), Dunlop, M. Lee, Hopkins, Kiely, Bartram, Walker (Cox 50), Braun (Flint 70), Tucker, James.

Tries: Hammill, Hopkins. Conversions: Sanchez x 2. Penalties: Sanchez x1