Henley Hawks Women 10-41 London Irish
By Lisa Tavinor
Henley Hawks Women welcomed the return of Shira Kilgallen, making her first appearance back from injury, giving the squad a timely boost ahead of their clash with London Irish.
Henley started the match brightly, exiting well from their own half and showing early composure on the ball. However, a knock-on gifted London Irish an attacking platform they didn’t waste, crossing for the opening converted try to go 0–7 ahead.
Play settled into a fierce contest around the halfway line, with neither side giving ground easily. Eventually, London Irish broke the deadlock again, adding an unconverted try to extend their lead to 0–12.
Henley responded with one of their best phases of the half, building pressure deep in the London Irish 22. They crossed the line but were held up, though the moment ignited the home side. The forwards took control, battering their way toward the line before Nina Polleti powered over for Henley’s first score. The conversion drifted wide, leaving the half-time score at 5–12, with the Hawks very much still in the contest.
The second half began with both sides showing renewed energy. Henley dominated at scrum time, winning multiple scrum penalties, but despite their set-piece strength, they struggled to generate meaningful momentum with ball in hand. London Irish, in contrast, capitalised clinically on their opportunities, running in three quick tries to surge ahead 5–29.
Another prolonged stalemate followed as the teams battled for territory. Unfortunately for Henley, it was London Irish who again found the breakthrough, adding a converted try to push the score to 5–36.
Henley’s forwards continued to fight hard, and their persistence paid off when Nina smashed over for her second try of the match, though once more the conversion was unsuccessful.
London Irish had the final say, adding one more try before the whistle to seal the result. The match ended 10–41 in favour of the visitors.
