Bonus point victory for Hawks Women in heavy conditions

HENLEY Hawks Women produced a powerful second-half display to turn a tight contest into a commanding 29-7 bonus-point victory at Sutton and Epsom in Championship South Division 1.

Played on a sodden, sloping pitch in bitter wind and fading light, this was never going to be a day for pretty rugby. The greasy ball and heavy ground made handling treacherous, with both sides struggling to keep hold as the contest opened at a ferocious pace.

Henley started brightly, earning early penalties at the breakdown as Sutton were caught not rolling away. Nina Poletti quickly established herself as a dominant presence at the line-out, repeatedly claiming possession despite scrappy conditions. Around the park, the defensive tone was set early — Chante Williams producing a huge double hit in midfield, bouncing up to make back-to-back tackles and signalling Henley’s intent.

The scrum battle was equally combative with Henley driving Sutton backwards on more than one occasion, even if not always rewarded. Big tackles flew in from both sides, turnovers were won for holding on, and line speed forced handling errors with the slippery ball.

After sustained pressure and a series of carries close to the line — including strong work from Poletti off the back of the line-out — Henley finally made their territory count. Ellie Smales crashed over from close range after a five-metre contest to open the scoring. The conversion drifted wide in the swirling wind, but the visitors led 5-0.

Sutton responded before the break to edge ahead, making use of the slope and capitalising on field position to take a narrow 7–5 lead into half-time. With visibility fading on the unlit pitch and conditions worsening, the game was finely poised.

The second half, however, belonged to Henley. Adapting smartly to the wind and surface, the Hawks tightened their game plan. The forward pack carried relentlessly, recycling ball through multiple phases and squeezing Sutton back inside their own half. Poletti continued to dominate at the set piece, while defensive pressure forced errors and prevented Sutton from building any sustained momentum.

Impact from the bench added further impetus, with Charlotte Gisbourne making her presence felt immediately in contact. Henley’s breakdown work sharpened, their discipline improved and territory began to tell.

Once Henley regained the lead with Gisbourne bundling over the try line, conversion taken by Faye Stratford, confidence surged. The visitors turned pressure into points, crossing for further tries as tired Sutton defenders struggled to cope with the physicality. Quick hands in tight spaces, clever offloads — including a standout from Ellie Smales earlier in the contest — and clinical finishing ensured the scoreboard reflected Henley’s growing dominance.

Crucially, Henley secured a fourth try by Gen Moody to guarantee the bonus point, before closing out the match in composed fashion despite the unforgiving conditions underfoot.