Henley Hawks travelled down to Bristol on Saturday for their first run out ahead of their National 2 East campaign starting on September 6th.
And the early signs were positive for Luke Allen's men with the Hawks recording two wins in their triangular series against Old Redcliffians and Welsh side Bargoed.
With the format being 40 minute games, it gave the coaches the opportunity to try out several combinations whilst giving plenty of game time to the whole squad.
Game One - Old Redcliffians 7 – 12 Hawks
Game Two - Bargoed RFC 0 – 21 Hawks
Try scorers, Seb Scott, Spencer Hayhow, Morgan Poiner, Jake Rawcliffe
Head Coach Ricky Khan was pleased with how his new look squad came together. 'At this stage, the results aren’t really the important thing for us, but more to see if the players have bought into the processes and learnings we have managed to implement.'
'There was much to be happy about but also some areas to tighten up on and make some important gains before the season starts'.
'It was great to see players back such as Seb Scott who has had a lengthy absence due to injury, capping his return with a try to mark the occasion'.
'There were also notable performances from Aaron Bello, Sam Lunnon, Isaac Small and Lucas Braithwaite who all showed the depth and talent within the ranks'.
'With some players still to return this was an encouraging performance and has laid a good foundation for how we want to play this season'.
Both games offered physicality and strong opposition with some dominant tackles from both sides and some entertaining passages of play. However, Henley took their opportunities well when they presented themselves with some clinical finishing.
Next up for the Hawks is a trip to county rivals Oxford Harlequins on Thursday evening, kick-off 7.15pm. They round of their pre-season with the visit of Loughborough Students to Dry Leas on Friday, August 29th, also a 7.15pm kick-off.
