Watford RFC 1st XV 51 – 12 Fullerians 3rd XV

Watford RFC 1^st XV 51 – 12 Fullerians 3rd XV

Watford 1^st XV continued their fine pre season form by beating an experienced Fullerians team by 51 points to 12.

On a day well suited to running rugby, Watford found themselves a score down despite dominating the opening exchanges. A dart by the Fullerians 9 from the back of the scrum saw him show a clean pair of heels to score under the posts, the conversion  making the score 7-0 to the visitors.

This roused Watford, who got themselves on the scoreboard with a well struck penalty from McGee, before some smart thinking from Yates allowed Dunlop to score from a quickly taken lineout. Watford soon scored another, when a well worked lineout sent Lee crashing over in the corner. A barnstorming run from Hammill saw him exchange passes with Hopkins before being hauled down just short of the line, Lee on hand to take the offload and score under the posts. The Watford pack were causing major disruption to the Fullerians set piece, man of the match JR and fellow prop Hicks putting their opposite numbers under enormous pressure. Despite enjoying the majority of possession and territory, an excellent individual effort from the Fullerians 9 ensured they remained in touch at half time.  

Watford made three changes at half time, picking up where they left off. Yates, who had looked dangerous all game, scored following a blistering break from his own half before McGee was the beneficiary of an awkward bounce to score and convert his own try. Lee then completed his hat trick after good work from Menzies and Dunlop allowed him to power over in the corner. Hopkins also got in on the act, breaking from the back of a ruck before showing good strength to dot the ball down. Sean Silver, a second half substitute making his 1^st team debut, completed the scoring with a well taken try in the corner.

Skipper Flint was quick to highlight the packs contribution to an excellent team performance. “I thought our forwards today were immense, in particular our two props, JR and George. They set the platform which allowed our backs to stretch the opposition. It was particularly pleasing to see us put a game plan into action and reap the rewards from executing it well.

Watford 1st XV: JR, Flint, Hicks (G. Wilson 41), Mitchell, A. Lee (Tucker 41), Dunlop, Hammill, M. Lee, Hopkins, McGee, Yates, Dennies, Braun, Langan (Silver 41), Menzies.

Tries: M. Lee x 3, Dunlop, Hopkins, Yates, Silver, McGee

Con: McGee x 4

Pen: McGee x 1

Man of the Match: JR.