They looked well on course for victory after opening up a 9-5 lead against York towards the end of the third period. But York then clawed their way back, levelling with four minutes remaining with goals by Nick Boaz (3) and Chris Burns. With less than two minutes remaining, Andy Holt's third goal for Watford ensured a 10-9 win.
Exeter beat Southampton 16-10 in the same division, opening up a comfortable lead when their opponents lost a player to a brutality offence and another to misconduct. Impressive youngster Kamz Powell led the Exeter scoring with six.