Watford

Watford

23rd October 2004

Herts/Middx 3 North Vs Watford (away)

Result = 7-15

Ashmole went into this league fixture with a much depleted side; they had 4 or 5 key absentees and certain players playing despite not being fully recovered or fit.

The reshuffle of positions and a poor couple of training sessions during the week due to the injuries meant that OA's started the game very under prepared, but they were not about to let anything stop there winning run.

Watford were obviously still smarting from last years 90-0 home defeat and they certainly started the game with incredible desire and determination to claw back some pride.

It was however OA's who got the first try through full back Jabez (Stoney) who took a short crash ball of fly half Andy and easily strolled over the line.

The rest of the game however was far from easy, the conditions were atrocious for the quick passing rugby that Ashmole loved to play, and they became bogged down in a forwards battle that they were struggling to overcome.

Although the line outs worked well for Ashmole the scrums were still a big cause for concern but despite all the Watford dominance the home side found it impossible to break the visitors defence. It was not until the second half when they had a five metre scrum were they able to use there pack weight to push over for a try.

And although there was some debate as to whether the ball was grounded correctly the try stood and the game changed, it was now very tense with both teams trying desperately not give anything away.

The tide seemed to have turned in Watfords favour when Johan (Dronkie) was sin binned for a careless boot, and although the player was badly hurt it was deemed to be clumsy and not malicious but none the less, the home side now had a player advantage.

As the torrential rain pounded the pitch Ashmole stood firm amidst all the pressure and even with the one man advantage Watford could not make it count and OA's were soon back to a full compliment of players.

It looked as though the three point difference that Ashmole had may be enough to seal the win as the minutes ticked away, but right at the death OA's snaffled a loose ball and Emile went over for the winning try. It was a try that cut deep for the home side who had fought so well but you still got the feeling that a full strength Ashmole side would have made easier work of this game but we cannot take anything away from Watford who fort valiantly and gave a good account of themselves.

The focus for OA's must now be on player injuries and getting the side ready for the third round of the national cup as they look to emulate last years great run.

Scorers = Jabez (Stoney), Emile

Conversions/Pens = Andy consx1 pensx1


	Top Scorers 2004/5 SEASON \| Hendon \| Totts \| Saracens Ams \| Ignations \| Woodford \| Hemel \| Watford \| Totts \| Hackney \| Saracens Ams \| Hendon \| Harrow \| Letchworth \| Watford \| Ilford \| Hatfield \| Upper Clapton \| West London \| Mill Hill \| Aylestone Watford 23rd October 2004 Herts/Middx 3 North Vs Watford (away) Result = 7-15 Ashmole went into this league fixture with a much depleted side; they had 4 or 5 key absentees and certain players playing despite not being fully recovered or fit. The reshuffle of positions and a poor couple of training sessions during the week due to the injuries meant that OA's started the game very under prepared, but they were not about to let anything stop there winning run. Watford were obviously still smarting from last years 90-0 home defeat and they certainly started the game with incredible desire and determination to claw back some pride. It was however OA's who got the first try through full back Jabez (Stoney) who took a short crash ball of fly half Andy and easily strolled over the line. The rest of the game however was far from easy, the conditions were atrocious for the quick passing rugby that Ashmole loved to play, and they became bogged down in a forwards battle that they were struggling to overcome. Although the line outs worked well for Ashmole the scrums were still a big cause for concern but despite all the Watford dominance the home side found it impossible to break the visitors defence. It was not until the second half when they had a five metre scrum were they able to use there pack weight to push over for a try. And although there was some debate as to whether the ball was grounded correctly the try stood and the game changed, it was now very tense with both teams trying desperately not give anything away. The tide seemed to have turned in Watfords favour when Johan (Dronkie) was sin binned for a careless boot, and although the player was badly hurt it was deemed to be clumsy and not malicious but none the less, the home side now had a player advantage. As the torrential rain pounded the pitch Ashmole stood firm amidst all the pressure and even with the one man advantage Watford could not make it count and OA's were soon back to a full compliment of players. It looked as though the three point difference that Ashmole had may be enough to seal the win as the minutes ticked away, but right at the death OA's snaffled a loose ball and Emile went over for the winning try. It was a try that cut deep for the home side who had fought so well but you still got the feeling that a full strength Ashmole side would have made easier work of this game but we cannot take anything away from Watford who fort valiantly and gave a good account of themselves. The focus for OA's must now be on player injuries and getting the side ready for the third round of the national cup as they look to emulate last years great run. Scorers = Jabez (Stoney), Emile Conversions/Pens = Andy consx1 pensx1