Old Albanian Saints 40-10 Henley Hawks Women
By Lauren Mueller
This was the first game of the season for Henley Hawks Women, an away fixture at Old Albanian Rugby Club.
The side faced a challenging encounter, falling to a well-organised and aggressive Old Albanian Saints side with a final score of 40-10. Despite the final scoreline, Henley Hawks Women showed considerable resilience and fought hard throughout the match, though they were ultimately unable to contain the more clinical Old Albanian side.
The game kicked off with immediate intensity, and OA’s set the tone within the first five minutes. A charge down on a Henley clearance attempt and recovered by an OA’s player that led to an opportunistic try by OA’s. The conversion added the extra two points, putting OA's ahead 7-0 early on.
Henley tried to regroup, but OA's continued to press. Their second try came from a well-executed scrum positioned in the middle of the pitch only 10 meters out from the try line. The OA’s pack showcased their power, and the backs moved the ball swiftly to the edge and then attacked back across the field. This maneuver breached Henley’s defensive line, allowing an OA’s to score. With the unsuccessful conversion, OA’s keep the lead of 12-0.
With some unstructured movement back across the pitch OA’s managed to squeeze through the defensive line again. A determined run by OA’s got them over the line. With a successful conversation OA’s in the lead 19-0.
The remainder of the first half was characterized by a series of unstructured plays and turnovers from both sides. Henley showed moments of promise with some aggressive forward play and dynamic running, but their efforts were often thwarted by a combination of handling errors and Old Albanian defense.
Henley’s defensive efforts continued to keep OA’s out of their half with some good moments that put Henley on the front foot. Prop Ellie Smales making a few meters down the pitch and when OA’s looked to clear out of their half, they were faced with fullback Gen Moody catching on the full and running 30 meters back into OA’s half. Number 8 Fern used her quick step to keep the OA’s defense line on their toes creating space outside for the others to work their way down the pitch including runs from Sam Page at lock and Sophie Shams at 12. A determined Henley kept OA’s back in their end for the remainder of the period.
The second half started with OA’s in the lead 19-0. Changes made to the halfback pair and Lauren Knowler comes on at 10 with Alex Wilkinson at 9.
OA’s kick off to Henely Hawks with it going out of play and the Henley lineout resulting in debut prop Evie Butler making a big run down the middle of the pitch. Quick play and opportunities to for Henley to attack opened up but OA’s continue to put pressure on Henley forcing errors.
When OA’s line out is overthrown Henley reacts quickly and with a few passes is able to get the ball out wide. Winger Kim Grundy gets away with a 20m run keeping OA’s out of Henley's half.
The second half saw Henley battling hard but struggling to gain any momentum against the disciplined OA's defense. When a much-needed line break comes from Lauren Knowler when she fakes a pass and hits the gap between the OA’s defensive line. She went off on a 40m run with a little chip and chase over the winger to regain possession.
Henley’s efforts were rewarded with a try midway through the second half, a determined run by Cat McNaney down the edge breaking through the OA's defense. However, the conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving Henley trailing 19-5.
OA's, not to be deterred, rallied and added three more tries. The first came from a back play, where quick hands and sharp running created space for an OA’s back to score in the middle. Score 24-5. Kick was good. 26-5. The second was a result of relentless forward pressure, eventually resulting in a powerful drive over the try line. With a successful conversions, OA's 33-5 lead.
OA’s get there final try by quick ball movement and speed down the middle of the pitch. Successful conversion. 40-5
Henley Hawks player Sophie Shams receives a yellow card for high tackling in the last 20 minutes of the match as the defense had begun to tire.
Henley’s resilience was evident as they scored their second try in the last play of the match. A powerful forward surge and determined play from the backs culminated in a well-deserved try by Winger Kim Grundy. The unsuccessful conversion brought the score to 35-10.
OA’s impressive performance was marked by their tactical superiority and clinical finishing. Henley, while showing moments of promise, were unable to contain the relentless pressure and precision of their opponents. The result underscores OA’s strong start to the season and leaves Henley with much to reflect upon as they regroup for their upcoming fixtures.
