Watford warmed up for the run-in with a convincing 28-12 win at West London.

The result was highly impressive given that the visitors played the majority of the game with 14 men against a team ranked one league higher.

West London had points on the board soon after kick off when a chip to their winger enabled him to score the opening try.

Watford then lost props JR Greyling and Luke Bees to injury, and with substitute James Powell running late, flanker Stuart Menzies had to move from flanker to hooker to form a makeshift front row. Despite the enforced changes, Watford defied their numerical and weight disadvantage to not only hold their own at the set piece, but also put pressure on the hosts, before taking the lead.

The visitors' first try was scored by Tom McGee after a mazy run from just inside the opposition's half. This was followed up by a score for Greg Reeve from close range, before Martin Lee powered over after a lineout. McGee was faultless with the boot, converting with all three kicks.

Watford overcame their numerical disadvantage to score again through Paul Dunlop after good work from Andy Lee. With Powell eventually arriving, Watford were up to 15 men for five minutes before Lee had to leave the field injured, reducing the visitors to 14. Some tired defence gave the hosts an easy score, but they failed to capitalise further.

Watford’s win was also coupled with positive news coming from the league. With second-placed Mill Hill losing to Old Isleworthians this weekend, the team know two wins from their three remaining games will guarantee promotion from Herts and Middlesex Division Three.