Havant 27-22 Henley Hawks Women
By Lisa Tavinor
Henley Hawks Women showed tremendous character on Sunday as a new-look side pushed Havant all the way in a thrilling 27-22 defeat on the road.
With 14 new players in the squad, the Hawks faced a tough test away from home, but there was no shortage of energy, determination or attacking intent from the whistle.
Henley settled into the contest well, however were soon put under pressure from Havant and forcing errors. The team struggled at times to get their set-piece functioning, but Hawks’ defence worked hard to contain Havant’s attacking threats with a try being held up over the line. However, Henley were soon back in defence, and Havant exploited space on the width to be the first to score a non-converted try 5-0.
Havant repeatedly tried to find space out wide, but the Hawks’ defence stood firm, including forcing one promising attack into touch. Havant with a lineout within touching distance of the henley tryline was all they need to secure another try, 10-0.
A well-executed kick and chase gave Henley good field position, strong carry from Dani Wilmore from the back of a lineout saw Henley within 5 metres was all they needed for Abi Woodiwiss to find her way over the line to get Henley onto the scoreboard. 10-5.
Henley now on the front foot make significant inroads into the Havant, pressure mounting with the home side conceding a succession of penalties as the Hawks looked increasingly dangerous, another crush ball, this time Ciera Forry takes the score at half time to 10-10.
Henley start the second half with more attack, with some hard-hitting tackles from Chante Williams, Dani Wilmore & Sophie Underwood, however Havant were first to score again out wide 15-10.
Back on the attack Henley made metres from a successful maul from a lineout, creating space for Ella Frow to find her way over the try line. However, Havant were back scoring after a well worked turnover provided them with the first converted try of the game, 22-15.
A knock on at lineout meant Havant were back in attack with a line out, they work the ball down the blindside to get another try 27-15.
Henley did not let the score get to them and continued to fight, a great 50-22 kick from Williams, saw Henley back in Havant's 22, with Henley back on the front foot Havant started to see their penalty count increase and soon awarded a yellow card for a high tackle, giving Henley an opportunity to exploit the extra player. And exploit it they did. The Hawks crossed for a crucial late try from Frow with Calleigh Rudman adding the conversion to reduce the deficit to just five points at 27-22.
Despite a frantic finish and one final push, the clock ran out and Havant held on.
The result will undoubtedly be frustrating for the Hawks, particularly after such a spirited fightback, but the performance offered plenty of encouragement. With 14 new players making their first starts for the side, the cohesion and resilience shown against an established Havant team were significant positives to take from the afternoon.
The Hawks now look forward to next Sunday's cup games away against Oxford Quins
Havant 27 – 22 Henley Hawks Women
Coaches Player: Sponsored by Rhys Murrary Photography Freya Gracie, for making such an impact to the game from the bench.
Forward of the match: Elise Kesken
Back of the match: Calleigh Rudman
