Oxford Quins 5-44 Henley Hawks Women
By Lisa Tavinor
Henley Hawks Women produced an impressive and highly entertaining performance on Sunday, running in eight tries to secure a comprehensive 5-44 victory over Oxford Quins in difficult, wet conditions.
From the opening whistle, the Hawks looked determined to put Oxford under pressure. Darcy Hacke-Woods made a great take from the kick-off, although Henley were unable to retain possession and Oxford immediately looked to capitalise on the loose ball. The Hawks' defensive intent was evident from the outset. Ellie Farwell produced an excellent tackle to stop an Oxford attack, while Nyamedo Addea-Dapaah followed up with a huge hit. As the rain began to fall, Henley continued to play with energy and purpose. A strong carry from Gianna Noble-Cunningham helped put the Hawks on the front foot and, following a Henley penalty, quick ball was moved wide to Chante Williams, who burst down the left to score the opening try.
Una Bulivuata narrowly missed the conversion, leaving the Hawks 0-5 ahead.
Henley continued to dominate territory following the restart. Daniker Willmore made a superb take before Williams gathered another kick, and the Hawks were soon back inside the Oxford 22. Oxford struggled to clear their lines and, after a Hawks lineout was stolen, Henley immediately fought back to win possession. The turnover created another opportunity, and Amelie Kotrie finished the move to score Henley's second try.
Bulivuata's conversion attempt struck the upright, but the Hawks had established a 0-10 lead.
Oxford then gifted Henley another attacking opportunity when an attempted catch from the restart went forward, giving the Hawks a scrum in a dangerous position. Henley took full advantage. With the attack firmly on top, William's crossed for her second try of the afternoon, extending the Hawks' lead and continuing a superb individual performance. Henley were soon back in the Oxford's 22, and after a well-worked run that saw the ball go through all the hands of the backs, Rosie Begley was able to score in the corner, which was converted by Bulivuata.
Hawks are soon awarded a penalty after the restart, and it's kicked to the corner; a fantastically worked driving maul of the lineout enables Abi Woodiwiss to peel off and score. This meant the Hawks were leading at half-time 0-27
The second half started with a period of play that saw both sides battling hard in the wet conditions; however, it was Oxford that were first to score, but unfortunately unable to convert. Hawks were back in the attack; Eloise Maslin burst through the middle to score another Henley try. Bulivuata narrowly missed the conversion once again, but the Hawks were now firmly in control at 5-32.
The third quarter saw Oxford attempt to fight their way back into the game, but Henley's defensive effort remained outstanding. Calleigh Rudman produced a huge hit to win a turnover, while Farwell led another enormous defensive shift. Oxford threatened with a dangerous chip, but the ball ran through the attacking player's hands and went dead. Henley continued to look dangerous in attack. Williams, now playing at fullback, chased down a clearance; there were strong contributions throughout the team, including a lovely line from Willmore, another good tackle from Ella and a period of sustained pressure that eventually saw Henley back into the Oxford 22. Henley produced an excellent lineout and built a powerful maul. A dummy to Bulivuata opened the gap, enabling Maslin to smash through to score her second try. Bulivuata made no mistake with the conversion, taking the score to 5-39.
Oxford continued to battle, but Henley's lineout work was particularly impressive, with another steal giving the Hawks possession shortly after the restart. A lovely passage of play brought Henley back into Oxford territory before Noble-Cunningham produced perhaps the most unexpected moment of the afternoon, opted for a box kick, chased her own kick, collected the ball and finished the move herself to score Henley's final try.
The final whistle confirmed an emphatic 5-44 victory for the Hawks.
In challenging weather conditions, Henley showed plenty of attacking ambition, strong set-piece work and, perhaps most importantly, a defensive intensity that never dropped, a strong all-round performance and plenty of positive signs — a very satisfying afternoon for the Hawks.
Back of the match - Rosie Begley
Forward of the match - Abi Woodiwiss
Coaches' player (sponsored by Rhys Murray photography) - Ellise Kesken
