Henley Hawks vs Westcombe Park – Saturday, February 1st, kick-off 3pm
By Alistair Beynon
Henley Hawks welcome Orpington-based side Westcombe Park to Dry Leas for their re-arranged fixture tomorrow, kick-off 3pm. The game was originally meant to be played a fortnight ago, but the heavy frosts throughout the country put paid to any chance of that happening.
The Londoners have had a solid season to date sitting in fifth position, just three points and a place above Henley who currently occupy sixth place in National 2 East. The two sides met at Goddington Dene back in September when the home side prevailed 32-29 in a real end-to-end contest. All signs point towards it being another close game, and with Combe on the back of a five match unbeaten run, they will certainly be heading into the match full of confidence. Henley will know that they need to find the same level of intensity shown against Dorking last Saturday if they are to match the large, physical pack that the visitors will bring with them.
As for team selection, Director of Rugby Luke Allen is forced into several changes due to unavailability issues given that this is a re-arranged fixture. In the front row, there is a first start for Nelly Kinniburgh at hooker in place of last Saturday’s man of the match, Spencer Hayhow. In the back row there is also a first start of the season for Jake Rawcliffe at openside flanker who has impressed over recent weeks. Fin Basil starts at blindside in place of Marcus Lowe.
In the backs, Jamar Richardson starts on the wing and switches with Lailand Gordon who reverts to the bench. There are potential first starts for prop Will Robertson and back row Ivor Langley who have both performed well for the 2nd XV this seasonH. George Wood is also back in the match day squad having been unavailable for the game at Dorking. He takes his place amongst the replacements as well.
The provisional Henley Hawks side to face Westcombe Park on Saturday is as follows:
1. Kadeem Collins, 2. Nelly Kinniburgh, 3. Rory Mason ©, 4. Liam Goodison, 5. Sam Lunnon, 6. Fin Basil, 7. Jake Rawcliffe, 8. Will Benning, 9. Joe Pattison, 10. Max Titchener, 11. Guy Rawsthorn, 12. Leo Webb, 13. Callum Jones, 14. Jamar Richardson, 15. Toby Howe
Replacements: 16. Will Robertson, 17. Ivor Langley, 18. Morgan Poiner, 19. Lailand Gordon, 20. George Wood
Elsewhere this weekend, we have a full complement of league fixtures for all Henley sides. On Saturday both the 2’s and 3’s are also at home with the 2nd XV facing off against Thatcham, kick-off 2.30pm whilst the 3’s take on Aldermaston, kick-off is also 2.30pm.
On Sunday, Henley Hawks Women journey down to the West Country to face Bath Ladies, kick-off is 2pm for their latest Championship South fixture.
