Thamesians 19 Vs. 17 Watford

Man of the Match: George Hicks

Watford travelled to Twickenham for their final game of the season aiming to secure a win which would take them to a third place finish in the table.

With a sizable travelling contingent added to an already large home crowd, the atmosphere was fantastic. On a warm spring day it was the home side who started the strongest, and with Watford unable to hold onto possession for an extended period Thamesians opened the scoring with a well worked try. Watford hit back with a renewed ferocity, the pack in particular causing a large degree of disruption to the opposition set piece. With the forwards laying a good platform, the backs were able to make several half breaks, fly half Hopkins looking particularly dangerous. Watford’s pressure eventually forced a close range penalty which was converted by Kiely to bring Watford to within two points. Thamesians soon hit back with a converted score of their own following some uncharacteristically weak tackles from numerous Watford players. No further scores were added for the half, and the visitors turned around 9 points adrift.

Watford began the second period with a consistent intensity which had been missing from the first, and enjoyed the majority of possession and territory for the first 10 minutes of the second half. Bernarius, making his maiden start for the first team this season found himself unmarked on the wing. The pacey back rower waltzed his way through Thamesians covering defence to score, Kiely missing the conversion. Watford were back on the attack from the re-start, returning flanker Reeve crashing over to put the stags ahead for the first time in the game. Kiely curled in from a tight angle to make the score 17-12 Watford. With ten minutes to go, Thamesians were able to put together a string of phases, keeping the ball tight and driving the ball up the pitch. With the visitors defence being sucked in, the hosts spun the ball wide allowing their winger to cruise in to bring the scores level. Displaying a cool head, the Thamesians kicker converted to put his side 2 points ahead with only 5 minutes remaining. Watford conceded a penalty just within their own territory with a minute left to play, Thamesians opting to go for a long range three pointer. The kick feel just short, and Watford, knowing this was to be the last play of the game, kept the ball tight in an attempt to establish decent field position for a drop goal. An unfortunate knock on meant it was not to be, the final whistle closing an enthralling game of rugby.

Hatfields loss away to undefeated league champions Harrow and Watford’s losing bonus point meant that the rivals ended on equal points. Unfortunately Hatfield’s superior points difference enabled them to take third place in what, outside of the top two teams, had been a closely contested league.

Skipper Flint was a proud man following on from his teams valiant loss. “We came here today desperate to take four points and secure third. Unfortunately, we came up just short against a well drilled Thamesians team. However, there is no shame in finishing fourth and with a good pre season there is no reason we cannot push for top spot in this league next season.”

Watford: G. Wilson, Flint, Hicks, Makinson, McLennon, Bernarius, Reeve, Hammill, Bennett, Hopkins, Gilmore (Yates 41), Kiely, Cox, James (Wilson 41, McGee 75).