Cheltenham Tigers 17-38 Henley Hawks Women
By Lisa Tavinor
Henley Hawks Women delivered an impressive performance to secure a 17-38 victory over Cheltenham Tigers on Saturday, 17 October, combining dominant defence, relentless work at the breakdown and some excellent attacking rugby to claim a well-deserved win. In a match full of big tackles, turnovers and exciting attacking moments, the Hawks showed their physicality and determination throughout, finishing strongly to put 38 points on the board.
Henley were off to an excellent start with Ellie Farwell finding her way over the try line within the first 10 minutes of the game, and converted her own try 0-7
Charlotte Gisbourne (Gizzy) made a powerful carry to take Henley into the Tigers’ 22, although an unfortunate knock-on handed possession back to Cheltenham; Henley’s defensive line quickly showed its strength. Gizzy and Elise Kesken combined for a big double tackle, while Rosie produced an excellent last-ditch effort as the Tigers eventually crossed on the right wing. The conversion was missed, 5-7
The Hawks responded with a series of outstanding defensive efforts. Gizzy was relentless at the breakdown, winning multiple jackals, while Sophie Underwood and Kesken delivered some huge tackles. Kesken, in particular, made life extremely difficult for the Tigers’ scrum-half, repeatedly shutting down their attempts to build momentum. Henley also began to threaten in attack. Strong carries from Amelie Kotrie and Underwood helped the Hawks gain valuable territory, while the forwards worked hard to create opportunities from the lineout and scrum. Gizzy continued to make significant metres, and the backs remained alert to every opportunity to turn defence into attack.
Cheltenham struggled to make ground against a determined Henley defence. Amber Robson produced an excellent turnover, Farwell made a promising break, with Rosie Begley providing support and Chante Williams appearing to have crossed for another Henley score. However, the try was not awarded, and the Hawks were forced to regroup, and they did exactly that. Kesken took the resulting goal-line drop-out superbly, driving forward with impressive leg drive. After several powerful forward carries, Begley spotted space and sniped through to score. Farwell added the conversion, extending the Hawks’ lead to 14–5.
Henley continued to dominate territory, with Dani Willmore making an impressive break of around 20–30 metres and Underwood repeatedly gaining ground from the lineout. The backs worked hard to recover loose possession, while the forwards kept pushing through the middle. The pressure eventually told with Cheltenham pinned deep in their own territory; Darcy Hacke-woods produced a crucial turnover on the Tigers’ five-metre line. The Hawks launched another determined assault, and Robson powered over the line to score. Farwell added the conversion, taking Henley into half-time with a commanding 5-21 lead.
The Tigers came out after the break determined to get back into the contest. Despite more strong double tackles from the Hawks, Cheltenham managed to find space through their forwards and backs, with their number eight picking up before the ball was moved out wide for a try. The conversion was missed, making it 10-21.
Henley immediately went hunting for a response; Kesken continued to make her presence felt, while Sinead Skillin made an immediate impact from the bench by winning a turnover. Gizzy attempted to find space with some fancy footwork, and the Hawks continued to challenge Cheltenham around the breakdown. The next score belonged to Henley's Calleigh Rudman right under the sticks; Farwell added another two points to the Hawks’ tally, extending the advantage to 10-28.
Cheltenham refused to give up and began applying pressure inside the Henley 22. The Hawks worked hard to clear their lines, with Begley producing an important kick and Rudman delivering a strong tackle. Elosie Maslin also made her presence felt with a powerful hit on the Tigers’ fly-half. However, the Tigers found a way through, scoring another try under the posts to reduce the deficit to 17-28.
With the Tigers threatening to build momentum, Henley needed a response; following a scrum, Begley showed excellent awareness and picked out a gap in the defence. Her perfectly timed offload sent Farwell over the line for another Henley try. Rudman attempted a drop goal shortly afterwards, but it fell just short, leaving the score at 17-33.
Henley’s defence remained resolute, and the team began to find more space in attack as the game progressed. Even when Cheltenham threatened near the five-metre line, the Hawks stayed composed, winning turnovers by forcing the home team to make mistakes. Then came the final flourish after a period of pressure in the Cheltenham half; Henley regained possession and looked to exploit the blind side. Maslin found space and linked up with Underwood in support, bringing the Hawks to within inches of the line. The ball was worked out and Alicia La Costa Hill crossed for Henley’s final try of the afternoon, capping an excellent attacking passage. The score was confirmed at 17-38, sealing a deserved victory for the Hawks.
This was a strong all-round performance from Henley Hawks Women, built on physical defence, intelligent breakdown work and the ability to turn pressure into points. With five tries on the scoreboard and 38 points secured, the Hawks can take plenty of confidence from a performance that demonstrated their attacking threat, defensive determination and ability to finish a game strongly.
Final score: Cheltenham Tigers 17 - 38 Henley Hawks Women
Coaches player of the Match (Award sponsored by Rhys Murray photography) - Dani Willmore sponsored by Alpha Flooring (UK) Ltd
Forward of the match - Elise Kesken sponsored by Sam Evans
Back of the match - Holly Hallett (still available for sponsor)
