Henley Hawks vs Havant – Saturday, March 15th kick-off 3pm
By Alistair Beynon
Henley Hawks welcome Havant to Dry Leas on Saturday for the first time since March 2009 when the two sides were both part of the old National 3 South. It was the Hawks who came out on top that day with a resounding 42-17 victory, so a similar score this weekend would certainly go a long way to help banish the disappointment from last Saturday’s 45-38 defeat in Guernsey.
Luke Allen’s men travelled down to Hooks Lane to face the Hampshire side back in November, and three tries in the final 10 minutes saw Henley come away with a narrow 36-28 victory. Havant have had a mixed season to date on their return back to the National Leagues, and currently sit in 12th place in National 2 East. They have six victories, one draw and fourteen losses to their name but have some notable scalps with wins over Bury St. Edmunds (53-49) and Old Albanian (37-29). They have also run several of the top six very close, so Henley will certainly need to find the same form that has seen them defeat both Colchester and Worthing in recent weeks.
In terms of team news, with several injuries sustained during the clash in Guernsey, Allen and Head Coach Rob Cain have had to shuffle the pack ahead of Saturday’s match. Louis Bailey comes in for Kadeem Collins at loosehead whilst Liam Goodison returns to the starting XV in the second row. Roan Noone starts at openside flanker in place of the injured Scott White, whilst Dan Wallis-Downham moves to Number 8 with Will Benning also ruled out. The backs remain unchanged from the side that travelled to Guernsey.
The provisional Hawks side to face Havant on Saturday is as follows:
1. Louis Bailey, 2. Spencer Hayhow, 3. Rory Mason (c), 4. Liam Goodison, 5. Sam Lunnon, 6. Marcus Lowe, 7. Roan Noone, 8. Dan Wallis-Downham, 9. Aidan Pugh, 10. Toby Howe, 11. Lailand Gordon, 12. Leo Webb, 13. George Wood, 14. Jamar Richardson, 15. Max Titchener
Replacements: 16. Ivor Langley, 17. Will Robinson, 18. Nelly Kinniburgh. 19. Morgan Poiner, 20. Callum Jones
Saturday also marks the return of over 100 former Henley players to Dry Leas, so it will undoubtedly make for a fantastic atmosphere as old friends catch up and regale stories from years gone by.
This weekend sees a well-earned rest for all other senior sides, however, Sunday is the annual Mini & Junior Festival at Dry Leas. A big thank you to everyone who has helped organise the event.
