The Hornets are still in real danger near the bottom of the table but the contrasting fortunes of the two sides were barely evident, particularly in the first half.
The Black Cats came into the match on the back of three straight wins that had seen them climb out of immediate danger at the bottom of the Premier League table.
Leeds Carnegie (formerly United) will also be a danger after enjoying their best ever season last term, finishing third in the table and runners-up to Arsenal in the FA Cup.