Henley Hawks Women 29–42 Newbury

By Lisa Tavinor

Henley Women’s cup campaign came to an end at Dry Leas on Sunday, as Newbury claimed a 29-42 victory in a fiercely contested match. Despite the disappointment of the result, the Hawks showed tremendous determination, scoring five tries and battling until the final whistle.

Henley made a bright start and were rewarded early on when the ball was shifted quickly through the hands to find Chante Williams, picking the ball up at her feet and slotting in at the corner for a none converted try and setting the tone for an energetic opening spell.

Henley’s defence was immediately put to the test as Newbury began to build pressure, but the Hawks stood firm. Strong work at the breakdown, including several excellent turnovers from Charlotte Gisbourne (Gizzy), helped disrupt the visitors’ momentum. Newbury threatened from close range, but Henley produced a superb defensive effort to hold them up over the try line and deny what looked like a certain score. Henley were back on attack, with a lineout in their own half, great carry and a well-timed pass from Gizzy released Gianna Noble-Cunningham (Dr G) to power her way to the try line, this time converted by Calleigh Rudman taking the score to 12-0.

An overthrow by Henley at the lineout, gifted the ball to Newbury, who took full advantage and made their way to the Henley try line, using their forward pack to keep knocking on the door, before they were finally awarded with a converted try. The visitors now with a spring in their step continued to press, and quickly found a way over the line again for a converted try, taking them for the first time in the game into the lead. 12-14

Newbury now with real fire in the bellies, make their way down the field and get the final try in the first half to take the score at half time to 12-21.

Henley came out for the second half with renewed intent, and the response was almost immediate. Phaedra Cocks broke through to score a fine try, bringing the score back to 17-21 and giving the home crowd fresh reason to believe. Although the conversion fell short, the Hawks had made their intentions clear.

The match continued at a relentless pace, with both sides battling for territory and possession. Rosie Begley provided a useful kicking option, while Henley’s lineout and defensive work offered opportunities to build attacks. However, it was the visitors who managed to extend their lead to 17-28, but Henley refused to let the game slip away without a fight.

The Hawks began to put together another promising spell, with Amber Robson carrying powerfully and Vicky Offlow stepping through to make valuable ground. Their persistence paid off when Darcy Hacke-Woods rose superbly at the lineout before Henley capitalised on a Newbury infringement. Hacke-Woods finished the move to score, cutting the deficit to 22-28 and bringing the Hawks right back into contention.

Newbury responded with another try to stretch their advantage to 22-35, but Henley continued to look for opportunities. The replacements brought fresh energy, and the home side kept working hard in the closing stages, refusing to let the visitors settle comfortably, unfortunately it wasn't enough as Newbury were award with another converted try, and edging further away from Henley.

With time running out, Henley won a penalty following a scrum and moved quickly. Dr G seized the opportunity, powering through to score a memorable late try and bring the final score to 29-42. It was a fitting finish to a performance defined by effort and determination, even if it came too late to change the outcome.

The result sees Henley exit the cup earlier than they would have hoped, but there were plenty of positives to take from the performance. Five tries, strong individual contributions and a refusal to give up demonstrated the character within the squad.

The Hawks can hold their heads high. Their never-say-die attitude was evident throughout, and attention now turns to next week’s fixture against Launceston, back at Dry Leas, where Henley will look to bounce back.

Henley Hawks women, would like to invite all sponsors to a coffee before the game on Sunday!

Coaches Player (sponsored by Rhys Muarry photography) - Ginna Noble-Cunningham sponsored by Fabcare Ltd

Back of the Match - Victoria Offlow sponsored by KB Wilde Consulting

Forward of the Match - Gianna Noble-Cunningham sponsored by Fabcare Ltd

Match photos courtesy of Alex Baker Photography available here.