Watford 32 – 27 Quintin

Man of the Match: James Betteley

Watford played Quintin in their rearranged Herts/Middx 3 league game this week following lasts week’s game being frozen out. Watford securing their first league points of 2009.  Quintin started much the better side in the opening quarter scoring two tries and with one convertion took a 12-0 lead. Watford clawed their way back as James Betteley, captain for the day and Man of the Match, scored his first try of the day beneath the posts, conversion missed Watford were 7 points adrift at 12-5 to the visitors.

With 20 or so minutes gone Watford were reduced to 14 men as hooker George Hicks saw red.  With this Quintin started to panic as the home side wanted to avenge the injustice and went in for the next score with a fine effort by centre Danny Bartram. The conversion was missed again as the gap close to 2 points at 12-10 in Quintin’s favour.

The game was evenly balanced with both teams looking to run the ball as much as possible. Quintin looked to make use of their extra man whilst Watford’s defence was resolute as every player was committed to the cause and covered for their absent colleague. Quintin’s extra man in the pack paid off as they increased their lead scoring an unconverted try from their forwards 17 – 10 to Quintin. The final score of the half went to Watford courtesy of James Betteley going in for his second score of the game, unconverted the half time score lay at 17-15 to the visitors with all to play for in the second half.

With encouraging words given at half time Watford came out hitting the ground running as the momentum of the game picked up the game flowed from end to end. The determination and commitment given by Watford’s14 brave men was the basis for a victory.  Determination was rewarded as Watford took the lead and pulled away with tries from: flanker Peter Jenkins, number 8 Paul Fagan and a second for centre Danny Bartram. With one of these being converted by full back Tom Kiely Watford went from 2 points behind to a 15 point lead with a score line of 32-17 with % frantic minutes to go. As Watford’s legs tired but not their endeavour, Quintin looked for scores to turn the table and bring them the victory.  It was always going to be close but Watford refused to capitulate and fought to the end only allowed Quintin to score 2 more unconverted tries before the whistle blew with a final score of 32 – 27 in the home sides favour giving Watford a well earned, hard fought and deserved  victory. Club captain Simon Maney stated “the effort and never say die attitude shown was a massive credit to all the 16 players used. They really should be proud of themselves for getting the vital win, which appeared at one stage as if it would not be possible. Hopefully this will be the kick start to the second half of the season that was needed. It also speaks volumes that in his first outing as captain that James Betteley was able to lead the rest of the team to victory, and that they followed his lead. Hopefully this can be carried on to next week’s game away at London French. The influx of new players this season has been a real bonus and they have settled into the club perfectly”.