Henley’s losing streak finally came to an end this weekend at home to Saracens after a disappointing start to the Hawks season. As with many of the premiership teams this season both sides were weakened by injuries, the difference being that Henley do not have the depth of a second team to step up up to the mark.  For Henley they also continue to develop as a squad to set themselves as a force to be reckoned with against ‘the big four’ in the premiership.

Saracens kicked off and Henley were quick to put them under pressure as they had done in the Boudicca cup earlier in the season. The exception was that Henley were able sustain the pressure and equally absorb it when Saracens were pushing them back. Henley’s lineout was weaker of the two, but their scummaging was stronger, largely due to the fact of their two props playing out of position in the second row.  Saracen’s conceded a penalty in front of the posts after fifteen minutes, and Henley took the advantage as fullback Corby slotted the points. The two teams continued to battle hard both in the forwards and the backs playing almost 50 minutes in the first half.

The second half began much similar to the first. Henley were adamant not to lose their focus and Saracens were never going to ease off the pace. Another penalty was awarded to Henley but no advantage was taken as it fell short of the posts. Scrum-half Nollie Waterman was proving the perfect menace against her Saracens opposite number throughout the game and equally made some excellent breaks. Saracen’s opted to play more of a kicking game, utilising their lineout advantage while Henley continued to pursue the blindside with their back row moves. After several phases of play Henley’s pack drove over, and prop skipper Rocky scored. The conversion fell wide but Henley were leading 8-0 with fifteen minutes remaining. Saracen’s came back at Henley stretching their defence in several phases of attack. For Henley time was on their side and although Saracens finally broke their defence scored out wide,it was too late for the London team as full time was blown after their conversion fell wide. Final score 8-5.

Henley’s head coach Carol Isherwood told players after the game, “There is no-one to single out as player of the match.  This was an immense team effort and everyone played their part.”

Henley’s determination and team spirit will do much to secure their position in the league this season as they continue to recruit and establish themselves as a premiership team. Henley Hawks Women are always looking for both experienced and new players to join their squad and train every Thursday from 7:30 to 9:30pm.  Anyone interested please contact Emski on 07710 197899 or visit www.henleywrfc.co.uk