Sat 28 Sep 2019
Watford 13 v 31 Old Millhillians
With memories of last years draw still fresh in the mind, OMs travelled to the dark place that is Watford ready for battle. An important first test for the choccy and whites against a formidable opponent.
An efficient warm up set the OMs up for a strong start with the M’s racing out the blocks, applying strong early pressure which resulted in George Fenton going over early doors for the 1st try of the game in the corner from a well worked scrum. With their first venture into the OMs half, Watford came away with a penalty, clearly playing the numbers game, however that was quickly ruled out by a rampaging run from Joe Wray to put the Choccies 7 points ahead. A half that ebbed and flowed with OM’s providing an extensive amount of pressure, camped down in the Watford 22. Execution and lack of being clinical would be the downfall for coming away empty handed from several promising positions.
A few minutes from half time and Watford got another score, using a quick tap to find numbers out wide with their winger only brushing the fingers of the diving Archie Turner going on the outside. A score that went completely against the run of play, but a costly reminder to the M’s of the punishment for not converting chances. A tough half time talk from coach Wheeler looked like it would cause OMs to step back up to how they started the game, however Watford were the team to do so and quickly scored from a carving run from their fullback, beating our man at 10 and chipping over the fullback for the length of the field try to put them in the lead, 13-10. A reset needed from the M’s who could have begun to slip away from the results
The game began to be played in the middle of the park and as the game started to get a bit dull, a line break and offload from Oli Avent gave Lawrence Haywood a simple two on one with the fullback. This looked like it would be an easy run in for Archie Turner however for Lawrence had forgotten how to pass the ball and selfishly took it himself, loosing the ball in the process. After a swift bollocking from Oli, Lawrence swiftly righted his wrong providing a supporting line worthy of Chris Ashton himself to get on the end of a break down the outside by Samler.
This gave the OMs some energy who went on to score again from composed phase play from the forwards before a cross field kick to Archie who dived over the line in the corner. Queue wild celebrations!
The remainder of the game saw the M’s retreat a bit in the control allowing Watford to smell the prospect of a losing bonus point. The final play of the game saw Watford deep in the OM’s 22 but a huge hit from Brad Abraham in midfield ended their foray with a knock on swept up by Oli Avent to turn defence into attach and score a fifth after nearly being chased down by their injured winger.
Although the final score of 31-13 seemed like a comfortable win, Watford played a strong game causing the OMs to show what they are really capable of. A lot of excitement to come! 💪🏼
MOTM: Joe Wray
DOTD: Lawrence Haywood
