Herts Presidents Trophy Watford 0 Verulamians 25 VERULAMIANS progressed in the Herts President s Trophy with an emphatic win at Watford on Sunday. After a resounding win in the league in their previous outing, Vees were in confident mood and expect to do

Herts Presidents' Trophy

Watford 0 Verulamians 25

VERULAMIANS progressed in the Herts President's Trophy with an emphatic win at Watford on Sunday.

After a resounding win in the league in their previous outing, Vees were in confident mood and expect to do well in the competition. Coach Andy Wakerling called up experienced star Robert Saunders and also selected Simon Morris, Steve Mather and Ben Alway, with Ali Luxford on the bench.

Trevor Munien, who captained the side, won the toss and, with the wind against Vees in the opening period, it was clear that ball would have to be retained in hand.

This was a half of graft for the Vees, with some strong phases of play but basic errors allowing Watford to relieve the pressure. The visitors kept their heads down and with Brian Molyneux at inside centre were consistently breaking the gain line.

The Vees wanted to play a quick game but were getting frustrated as Watford continually slowed things down. John Liddiard kept running back from full back and, with some safer hand, Vees would have turned a rounded in the lead.

The Vees started the second half knowing that the game would hinge on the first score. They won quick turn-over ball through Ed Lowe from which Paul Spyropodoppolis smashed into midfield and the Vees were awarded a penalty in front of the posts that Paul Evans converted.

With Watford now down to 14 due to consistent infringement at the breakdown, Vees could look to show the difference in class. The line out was a major strength for the visitors, with Robin Wildey in top form and, from a great line out, Munien released the back line and Alway sprinted into the corner.

Alway was not finished and, from a Luxford turnover, he was again able to dance over the try line. His third and final try came from a midfield break from Ben Moralee who had been grafting all day on the pitch and finally saw some open space. Moralee fed Alway who threw an audacious dummy and strolled over. Liddiard kicked the conversion.

The final try came from fly half Paul Evans who out sprinted the full back to score after a clever move involving Gareth Waters. The Vees now look forward to a trip to Boreham Wood in the second round.

Vees: John Trowman, Ed Lowe (Nathan Stewart), Russell Suter, Steve Mather (Ali Luxford), Robin Wildey, Paul Spyropulous, Rob Saunders, Ben Moralee, Trevor Munien (Capt.), Paul Evans, Brian Molyneux, Gerald Ellis (Ben Always), Gareth Waters, Jamie Stead, John Liddiard.