Watford 1st XV 50 vs 12 Cuffley 1st XV

Man of the Match: Peter Cox

Watford started the game at breakneck speed, hammering into Cuffley from the first whistle. Showing some excellent handling  skills and support running, a feature which is fast becoming a trademark of this years team, the hosts were soon on the board following a surging run by prolific try scorer Lenny Oguntade. Philpott slotted the conversion, putting the hosts deservedly in front. Watford were on the attack almost immediately from the re-start. A strong catch and drive from the lineout gave the Stags backline excellent ball to work with, Bartram finding himself one on one with his opposite number. Using the space available to him, the winger turned on the gas and glided under the posts to give Philpott an easy conversion. Watford’s third try came from more excellent work at the lineout, a pre planned move giving Lee a run in unopposed from 20 metres out.

Unfortunately, in similar fashion to the previous week’s game the home side took their foot off the gas and allowed their concentration to slip. A series of needless penalties towards the end of the half allowed Cuffley back in to a game they should have been out of, and a half time score of 17-9 did not reflect the dominance Watford had exerted over proceedings. Acting skipper Hicks reminded the team that the game lasts for 80 minutes rather than 30, and the second half saw the hosts produce some scintillating play. Cox went over for the first of his three early on, before soon adding a second after an excellent break from Oguntade. Cuffley got themselves on the board for the half with a well struck penalty, however Watford struck back almost immediately. A series of drives from the pack tied in the Cuffley defence, before Hopkins jinked his way over the line from close range. Watford were exhibiting excellent play in all areas of the game, the forwards causing severe disruption to the opposition scrum, whilst the back line looked threatening every time they got the ball in hand. Hicks added to the tally after breaking from the back of a maul, before Cox sealed his hat trick with a searing break down the left wing.

Injured skipper Flint was elated after the game. “Today was an excellent day for Watford. The boys’ effort and commitment was outstanding, and other than a brief 10 minute wobble we were excellent. What was particularly pleasing was the game management shown by the lads, with the game plan being executed to perfection.”

Next week sees Watford 1^st XV travel away to Ilford in the cup. Spaces are still available on the team coach, please speak to George or Ricky to book a space.

Watford: G. Wilson, Philpott, Hicks, Portway (Munday 60), Makinson, Hammill, Dunlop, Lee, Bennett (Walker 50), Hopkins, Bartram, Kiely, Cox, Oguntade, James (P. Wilson 40).

Tries: Bartram, Oguntade, Lee, Cox x 3, Hicks, Hopkins.

Conversions: Philpott x 5