Sharp shooting helps Hawks soar to back to back wins

HENLEY HAWKS U13s eased to a 40-28 win against FINCH GREEN U13s last weekend.

From the first whistle, the Hawks showed their intent. Kitty Lawrence set the tone in defence with commanding interceptions and calm control in the circle, while Sophia Stavrou worked tirelessly to shut down Finch Green’s attacking options. Their defensive unity provided the platform for a flying start, as Henley surged ahead to lead 10-4 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw Finch Green respond with renewed energy, but the Hawks demonstrated good composure under pressure.

Emelia Adams disrupted play well through the midcourt, applying relentless pressure and creating turnover opportunities. At centre, Daisy Goforth was the engine of the team, linking defence and attack seamlessly with good movement and precise passing.

Grace Stammers provided width and drive, feeding the circle but despite the tighter contest, Henley held their nerve to maintain a 17-16 advantage at half-time.

By the third quarter, Hawks added fresh legs to their defensive end with Sadie Roberts contributing to Hawks back in full flow. The shooting partnership of Soraya Stender and Isla Lawrence proved unstoppable, combining sharp movement with clinical finishing and their accuracy under pressure allowed Henley to stretch their lead to 28-23 heading into the final period.

In the fourth quarter the defensive end continued to force errors, the midcourt maintained relentless energy, the shooters found their rhythm with consistency while Daisy Goforth continued to link all players together as the Hawks triumphed by 12 goals.

The previous week, HENLEY HAWKS U13s ran out 34-30 winners against WOKINGHAM RED U13s.

From the first whistle, the Hawks defensive unit of Kitty Lawrence and Sophia Stavrou set the tone early with strong pressure and smart interceptions, helping Henley edge ahead 8-7.

The momentum kept building in the second quarter with relentless work through the middle from Grace Stammers and Emilia Adams and calm leadership from Daisy Goforth. At half-time, Henley had stretched their lead to 16-13.

Wokingham pushed hard in the third quarter but Henley matched them step for step. Amelie Woodhouse worked tirelessly to feed the circle, where Soraya Stender and Mabel Reed-Ryan combined well, showing composure and accuracy under pressure. Heading into the final quarter, Henley were just ahead, 2
6-25.

The Hawks dug deep in the final quarter and played their best netball when it mattered most. Strong defence, slick transitions and confident shooting saw Henley pull away in the final minutes, sealing victory by four goals.