League Newcomers Mill Hill were the first team up for Watford 1XV to mark the dawn of the new season. Watford eager to show the confidence and trust put into them by new head coach Adrian Matthews.

Mill Hill, with a point to prove, kicked off the new season instantly pinning Watford back in their 22. A strong scrum gave them the platform to probe watfords line. A key hit from Cuttler caused a vital knock on and saved the boys from going down early. Watford defended well, leaving no gaps for Mill Hill to utilise, but were struggling to make lasting territorial gains, pinned back in our 22. Great hands from Menzies and Dunlop gave Adeyinke acres of space, one slip away from running the length
Watford were starting to build momentum, with a great line out move giving Crowe plenty of space. A resulting penalty was struck deep into Mill Hill’s 22 by Menzies, Upton’s line out form continued and Watfords pack were lining up to score, a penalty advantage led to the ball being shipped wide for Fordham to fight his way over through 3 defenders. 5-0

Following the restart Menzies utilised an uneven defence making 50 yards and putting Watford back on the front foot.

An intercept by Fordham boosted Watfords spirits who ran 70m to dot it down under the posts. 12-0

Late in the first half a great steal from captain Dixon gave Poole an unwelcome loose ball deep in the dead ball zone, after an audacious chip and intercept he broke away from the Mill Hill line before unleashing Adeyinke for a try on debut. 19-0

A strong first half showing from Watford, summarised by a stubborn defence and strong tackling.

A relatively uneventful second half was overshadowed by poor discipline. After holidaying more than training during preseason, club legend Dunlop saw yellow for a late hit.

Dunlop later saw a second yellow, chasing a kick and colliding with a defending player. Putting Watford down to 14. Late in the game tackle heights and tempers were rising. A final warning to both teams for chatting back and shouting sir, was quickly following by skipper Dixon exclaiming ‘sir is it our restart’, flying recklessly close to the sun. Shortly after Watford were down to 13 for another ‘sir’ appeal.

Back to the rugby, Watford were still playing strong with a line break from Brennan, leading to Menzies going over in the corner, before being ruled in touch (by the Watford Lino!). Minutes later Menzies finally got his try stepping away from his opposite number and under the posts. 26-0

Strong midfield carries from Portway snd Matthews gave step-in playmaker Wilson the opportunity to put ‘retired’ Wilkinson in acres of space. 33-0

Mill Hill fought to the last minute, and was finally rewarded when a series of crashes eventually led to an impressive grounding following a brutal cover tackle from Fisher. 33-5

A bonus point win giving watford a great platform to build upon for the season. The boys will be working hard to improve before facing local rivals Chess Valley away this weekend.