Henley 3s 5-34 Beaconsfield 2s
By David Lewis
After a two-week break following their defeat to Amersham and Chiltern, who chose to play with a numerically superior player advantage, it was a warm, albeit a very wet welcome to Beaconsfield 2’s. It was to Beaconsfield’s great credit that they offered to match the player numbers of Henley 3’s, should it be necessary, who have struggled to field full teams on several occasions so far this season.
However, this sporting gesture by Beaconsfield wasn’t required as Henley were able to field a full team plus finishers. It was testament to the Henley players, who have rallied round to recruit a significant number of new players in a very short time and boost their numbers. With Beaconsfield lying 3rd in the league, it would still be a challenge with Henley fielding so many new players, many of whom were returners to rugby.
Captained for the first time by Ethan Konschel, it was hoped that by playing on the main pitch at Dry Leas, with its’ impressive width, that Henley could benefit by the inclusion of several particularly fast players in the open; the weather, however, had other ideas with continuous cold rain throughout the match.
Beaconsfield had a powerful pack and Henley found themselves constantly pushed back, despite the efforts of their front row with the experienced Adam Wood and a welcome return at hooker to John Cullivan. On the open side was another returner to rugby, Will Laver, who deservedly was given Man-of-the-Match, for his stalwart efforts against the considerable size of his opponent, an ex-Henley 3’s player from last season.
It was for Beaconsfield to kick off, with warnings from the match referee to adhere to the high tackle rule and, after one infringement by Beaconsfield, it was then Henley’s fate to suffer a yellow card for the offence. Marginally depleted by one player short for ten minutes, Beaconsfield were finally able to press their advantage and score after 20 minutes, despite impressive defence by Henley, namely the back row of Adam Porter, Josh Butler and Konschel at No.8.
Beaconsfield were clearly a well-drilled squad, particularly in defence. Henley were able to break through but found themselves undone on several attempts by passes going awry in the difficult conditions. Good breaks by Ollie and Louis Heard looked promising, but by half-time Beaconsfield had notched up another two tries, with one conversion: clearly not a day for kicking.
Beaconsfield resumed the second half with a prompt unconverted try but still struggled to claim too much ground against Henley’s resolute defence. The weather continued to spoil Henley’s breaks. However, Soli Whittaker, another returner on the right wing, scored a superb try from Henley’s half, beating several futile attempts to stop him. As with Beaconsfield, the kick was wide with such awful conditions.
It may have been a win to Beaconsfield at 34 points to 5 but a very welcome return to Henley 3’s fielding a full squad and with so many new players. With the Autumn Internationals in full sway, and a renewed enthusiasm for the game, if you are thinking of starting or returning to rugby, Henley would love to hear from you.
