Henley Hawks Women 36-17 Sutton & Epsom
By Lisa Tavinor
Henley Hawks Women celebrated their first win of the season in emphatic fashion, defeating Sutton & Epsom 36–17 in a thrilling home encounter. The match was made even more special — and emotional — as it marked the final appearance for Lauren Mueller, who is heading to Australia. Lauren has been instrumental to the Hawks both on and off the pitch, and she will be sorely missed by teammates, coaches, and supporters alike.
Knowing a win was vital, Henley came out firing on all cylinders from the first whistle. Quick hands saw the ball worked beautifully out to Gianna Noble-Cunningham on the wing, who sprinted clear to touch down for the opening try. Unaisi Bulivuata added the extras to make it 7–0.
Henley kept up the pressure and were soon rewarded again. A powerful maul from a lineout drove deep into Sutton & Epsom territory, a great pass out from Polly Roberts released Uni to dive over the try line, which she duly converted, taking the lead to 14–0.
A yellow card for Nina Poletti meant Henley had to dig deep with 14 players, and Sutton & Epsom took advantage of the extra space to score their first try, closing the gap to 14–5 at halftime.
The Hawks started the second half strongly, dominating possession and territory. Despite being held up over the line, a moment of quick thinking from Uni saw her tap and go from a penalty to secure her second try of the game. Fern Edgar stepped up to slot the conversion and extend the lead to 21–5.
Henley’s defence was tested as Sutton & Epsom piled on the pressure, spending nearly fifteen minutes camped near the try line. The visitors eventually broke through for their second try, but Henley quickly responded. A penalty within range was coolly converted by Fern to make it 24–10.
Sutton & Epsom refused to back down, scoring a converted try to narrow the margin to 24–17, but Henley were determined to have the final say. From the restart, the Hawks surged upfield, with Hen Lowen-Cooper racing for the line before being high tackled from behind. The referee awarded a penalty try and a yellow card to the visitors, pushing the score to 31–17.
With momentum firmly back in Henley’s favour, there was just time for one final special moment. Making the most of the extra space, Lauren Mueller powered her way over the line for her last ever try in Hawks colours — a fitting farewell for a player who has given so much to the team.
The final whistle blew with the score 36–17, sealing a memorable and well-deserved victory for Henley Hawks Women. The team now have a week off before heading to Richmond on the 23rd November, where they hope to continue their winning ways.
