Henley Hawks Women 38-5 Reading Abbey
By Lisa Tavinor
Henley Hawks took on local rivals Reading Abbey on Sunday in their final game before a well earned Christmas break.
Henley showed their intent from the first whistle keeping Abbey pinned in their half of the pitch for the first ten minutes of the game, Alex Wilkinson won turn over ball at the back of an Abbey scrum and popped over the line for the first try of the game, not converted. This was quickly followed by another try from Henley after they were awarded a penalty which saw Lauren Mueller in under the posts, conversion scored by Lauren Knowler taking the score to 12-0.
Abbey were soon on the attack and looked dangerously like they could score, however the strength of the home side’s defence meant that they ball was soon safely back in the Henley players hands. Off a Henley line out just on the Abbey 5m line saw the ball move through the hands to Mueller who scored her second try of the game, once again converted by Knowler. Taking the score at half time to 19-0.
The second half started much the same way as the first with a display of brilliant rugby from the Henley team and some quick thinking from Mueller meant she scored her hattrick under the post, easy conversion for Knowler to take the score to 26-0.
Abbey never gave up and were soon on the attack, however a knock on meant that once again Henley were making their way back down the pitch, a high tackle by an Abbey player just short the try line inevitable meant Henley were awarded a penalty try and Abbey down to 14 players.
Making use of the extra player Henley shifted the ball out wide to Gen Moody, who’s lighting quick feet saw her sprinting her way through the gap in the Abbey defence and score, however not converted.
Abbey were finally back on the attack and this time their hard work was finally awarded with a try, not converted. Final score 38-5
Match photos courtesy of Andrew Turner available here.
