Watford Seconds claimed a 35-8 Merit Cup final win over league champions Old Albanians Fifths.

The first scoring attempt was an OA penalty which fortunately skewed wide of the posts. The replying clearance kick hammered down the touchline for a Watford lineout within OA’s 22m. Securing ball from the lineout, Watford were awarded a penalty for an offside.

Electing to take the points, the penalty conversion missed with OA’s clearing the danger. This resulted in a lineout, with a well executed move from veteran number eight Gary Bridge surging down the touchline to score. Mcgee made the kick from a challenging position to give Watford the lead that they had been searching for.

Watford did not take their foot off the gas and winger Simon Tucker was released for their second try. Mcgee added the extras for Watford.

The final score of the half came from a surprise kick from centre Andy Lee which led to a headlong chase for the ball. A lucky bounce put the OA fullback under pressure leading to him slicing his clearance. This allowed full-back Jacob Harris to seize upon the opportunity and dive over the line for a convincing 21-0 lead for Watford.

The second half was closely contested with both teams managing to score. Albanians ensured that the result was still in the balance as they scored a penalty and a try of their own.

TJ Bernarius finished off an attack to extend Watford’s lead. Two of their players were sinbinned for not releasing the ball but they managed to keep OA’s at bay.

Watford sealed the win when man-of-the-match Georgio Pitsialis managed to run round a number of opponents to score the final try of the game.