Henley Hawks Women 15-12 Bath Ladies 

By Lisa Tavinor 

Henley Hawks Women produced a superb second-half performance to secure a thrilling home victory over Bath, overturning a first-half deficit with power, patience, and outstanding defensive grit.

On a greasy afternoon at Dry Leas, Bath got the game underway and quickly made it clear they were intent on keeping Henley pinned back. Handling was at a premium in the conditions, leading to a stop-start opening spell dominated by scrums — an area where Henley would steadily begin to assert control.

Despite growing pressure from the Hawks, it was Bath who opened the scoring. A well-weighted chip over the defensive line allowed their winger to break through and score in the corner, giving the visitors a 5–0 lead after the conversion was missed.

Rather than losing composure, Henley leaned into their strengths. The scrum became increasingly dominant, repeatedly forcing Bath backwards and winning crucial penalties. Defensively, the Hawks were immense. Huge tackles — including a crunching hit from Ellie Smales — combined with excellent cover from Gen Moody and relentless work at the breakdown to repel wave after wave of Bath attacks. Time and again, strong tackles and aggressive clear-outs forced knock-ons and turnovers deep in Henley territory.

Bath’s reluctance to take shots at goal, even when presented with kickable penalties, would prove costly as Henley absorbed the pressure and gradually began to swing the momentum.

The breakthrough came immediately after the restart. From sustained pressure early in the second half, Shira Kilgallon powered over for Henley’s first try, levelling the contest. The conversion was missed, but the Hawks were firmly on the front foot.

Ten minutes later, Henley struck again. Building off another dominant scrum platform, the Hawks worked patiently before Hermine Titcombe crossed for the second try, this time converted by Faye Stratford, pushing Henley into the lead.

With Bath chasing the game, Henley’s pack continued to impose themselves. In the 60th minute, another powerful scrum earned a penalty in front of the posts, and Faye calmly slotted the kick to extend the advantage.

The closing stages were tense, but Henley’s resolve never wavered. Ferocious defence, intelligent game management, and total commitment across the park ensured Bath were kept at bay, allowing the Hawks to see out a deserved and hard-fought home win.

A statement victory built on set-piece dominance, collective defensive effort, and clinical second-half execution — a performance that showcased exactly what this Henley Hawks Women’s side is capable of.

Match photos courtesy of Steve Karpa available here.