Captaining his first game, Ben Wilson rallied his young Watford team to face a hungry Pinner side. Watford looking for revenge following a tough 36-19 defeat at the end of last season.

Watford started the season in an all too familiar way, conceding twice early, including a well planned Pinner line-out move. 10-0.

Watford soon fort back with some strong carries from the pack, including a single notable carry from Luke Bees, leading to a Watford free kick. Quick thinking from the skipper led to him diving over our first try of the season.

Watford were growing into the game, especially in the set piece, Luke Cole playing like a young Jamie George was automatic in the line out, and Oscar Brennan was causing chaos for the Pinner throw. Another quickly taken free kick led Ryan Wilson diving over. Pinner started to fight back with some good kicking and territory, resulting in another try for the home team.

Watford were playing an exciting attacking style of rugby, with strong rapid line breaks from the debutant Oba, and Butler unleashing the wide pace of Jack and Jamie. The expansive rugby continued with Butler seeking Jack Crabb with some pinpoint cross field kicks.

Before half time Ryan mimicked his previous score, with Pinner unset he went quick again. The flurry of Wilson tries led to Watford leading at the break. 21-22.

Watford started the second half much better, playing with the confidence provided by Coach Adrian’s team talk.
A series of strong carries by the likes of Jake Tierney, Aaron Routley and Robert Hobbs put Watford on the front foot, allowing Aaron Emmanuel to utilise the space in behind with a saucy inch perfect chip through, dotting it down just millimetres before the dead ball line.

Watford were soon put under the cosh by Pinner, whose big ball carries were probing the 22. Strong tackling from the boys including a textbook hit from Bobby kept Pinner out. Our efforts were in vein after a cheeky step from the Pinner 8 put him under the posts.

Watford fort back again with some play making from Haydn giving Chris space for yards, allowing butler an unsettled defence to attack, gliding past the first man, he teased a grubber past the full back providing Matt Poole the perfect chance to dot one down.

With minutes left on the clock Brennan led a strong defensive set to pin Pinner into their 22, an uncharacteristic turnover from Matty led Watford 5m from the line. Watford’s pack finally had their chance to reap the rewards of their defensive work. Probes from Routley and Cole led to Cutler crossing over marking the final play.

A victory summed up best by our skipper whom in the post game huddle proclaimed ‘We played with compassion’

Full time Pinner 28 - 41 Watford