Hawks move into second spot following Steel win

HENLEY HAWKS 1sts lost their opening Berkshire League match of the year 57-39 in a hard-fought encounter against ACADEMY.

Henley started brightly and looked sharp from the first whistle, moving the ball well and applying early pressure and were rewarded as they led the first quarter 14-12.

The second period saw Academy begin to find their rhythm. Tightening up defensively and increasing their tempo going forward, they gradually wrestled control of the game to lead 28–21 at half-time.

Academy continued to build momentum in the third quarter as their passing became more incisive and their work rate off the ball began to tell. Despite Henley’s efforts to stay in touch, Academy extended their lead to 39–32.

The final quarter saw Academy finish strongly, showing composure and fitness to pull clear in the closing stages to win by 18 goals.

Jess Williams, playing at goal defence, was named Henley’s player-of-the-match.

HENLEY HAWKS 1sts moved up to second place in the Maidenhead and District League Premier Division following a 38-34 victory against MAGNET STEEL.

Hawks managed to edge the first quarter by a single goal. In the second quarter, Hawks raised their intensity across the court. Increased defensive pressure and improved flow through the midcourt allowed Hawks to capitalise in attack, gradually pulling away to establish a five-goal advantage at half-time.

Magnet Steel responded well after the break, reducing the deficit to four and keeping the contest alive.

The last quarter saw both teams matching each other goal for goal. Hawks held their nerve to maintain their lead to see out the win while Magnet Steel picked up a bonus point.

HENLEY HAWKS 4ths ran out 28-6 winners in their Division 4 clash with BLUEBELLS.

Martin’s shooting for the Hawk was sensational from the first whistle while alongside her, O’Sullivan offered a masterclass in disciplined positioning, scooping up loose balls and turning half-chances into valuable extra goals.

At the opposite end, Roberts and Emery impressed in defence. In the centre, Hayes orchestrated the game, dictating tempo and ensuring the Hawks transitioned smoothly from defence to attack while Le Beigge impressed on debut as goalkeeper.

In Division 3, HENLEY HAWKS 5ths ran out 39-36 winners against ROCKETS in a tightly contested clash.

The match began evenly, with both sides showing strong intent and defensive pressure.

Hawks began to edge ahead in the second quarter, capitalising well on some wayward passes from Rockets and converting turnovers into crucial goals. This allowed Hawks to take a narrow two-goal lead into half-time.

The third quarter was end-to-end, with both teams trading goals and refusing to give ground. Hawks maintained their composure to preserve their two-goal cushion.

Rockets came out firing in the final quarter, drawing the scores level and threatening to snatch the win. However, Hawks showed resilience and teamwork, rallying in the closing stages to regain the lead and see out the match.

HENLEY HAWKS U13s narrowly lost out to WOKINGHAM BLUE U13s 39-35 in a close encounter.

Strong defensive work from Kitty Lawrence and Sadie Roberts put early pressure on Wokingham’s shooters, while Grace Stammers and Daisy Goforth worked tirelessly through the mid-court to create attacking opportunities. At the first break, Wokingham held a slim 9-7 lead.

The second quarter saw Henley settle further into their rhythm. Slick movement from Amelie Woodhouse fed the shooting circle well, where Soraya Stender and Mabel Reed-Ryan converted with ease. The Hawks matched Wokingham goal for goal, trailing by just one at half-time, 16-15.

Wokingham edged ahead in the third quarter, using their experience to stretch the game to 29-23.

Henley refused to let the match slip away. Emilia Adams took to court for the first time in three months after injury in the third quarter.

In a thrilling finish, Henley mounted a comeback, clawing back goals and pushing Wokingham right to the final whistle but eventually lost out by four goals.

Players-of-the-match for Henley were Daisy Goforth and Soraya Stender.