Viggers opens scoring for Ladies in their first match on new Jubilee pitch

Henley Ladies 1sts celebrated their first home game on the new Jubilee Park pitch with an energetic and confident performance in front of a vibrant Club Day crowd. Up against Basingstoke Ladies 1sts — a seasoned side with National League experience — Henley looked composed and dominant for large stretches of the match.

Their strong start was rewarded early in the first quarter, when a well-executed short corner created a rebound that Clare Viggers pounced on, putting Henley 1-0 up. The home side continued to control possession and move the ball with intent, but a brief dip in intensity in the second quarter proved costly. Basingstoke levelled through a strike from open play before adding a second from a short corner to take the lead.

Henley pushed hard after half-time, creating multiple opportunities and maintaining majority possession, but they struggled to find the decisive finishing touch. Basingstoke extended their lead in the final quarter with a penalty stroke, sealing a 3-1 win despite Henley’s sustained pressure.

While the result was frustrating, the performance offered plenty of positives. Henley remain third in the table, looking strong after their promotion last season.

On Henley Hockey Club’s
75th anniversary Henley Ladies 2nds lost 2-1 to Witney Ladies 1sts.

Henley opened the match with real intent. The midfield, driven by the ever-energetic Ellie Boyle, controlled much of the early tempo, while Sophy Rogers delivered her characteristic terrier-like graft, linking defence to forward line with determination.

Henley carved out multiple attacking opportunities, building promising momentum.

Against the run of play, however, Witney struck first. A quick break caught Henley on the back foot, giving the visitors an early lead. Rather than deflate Henley, the goal spurred them on.

The home side responded quickly with some excellent interplay between midfield and forwards, moving the ball with purpose and precision. Their efforts earned a short corner, and from a well-worked routine, Emma Buckham-Hedges produced a deft deflection to bring the score level before half-time.

The second half saw Witney disrupt much of Henley’s rhythm. Despite this, the defensive partnership held firm: Maisie Robinson and Alyx Clarke put in a solid performance at the back, and goalkeeper Georgie Grocock produced several crucial saves to keep the scoreline locked.

Eventually, Witney won a short corner of their own and converted with a clean, powerful strike to regain the lead. Henley pushed hard in the closing stage — helped by the attacking flair of Sophie Miller, who worked tirelessly throughout — but despite creating chances, they couldn’t find the equaliser.

Henley Ladies 3rds secured a confident 2-0 victory over Reading Ladies 7ths, dominating the game from start to finish despite pre-match nerves due to team absences, injuries and illness. The team focused on their training strategy of smart passing and follow-up play, which paid off early. Midway through the first half, a well-executed series of passes up the pitch culminated in a composed finish from Fleur Wood, who slotted the ball past the Reading goalkeeper. Henley maintained control throughout, giving Reading few opportunities to threaten.

Defensive standout, Fi Dunn, effectively neutralised Reading’s most dangerous attacker, ensuring Henley’s backline remained solid. In midfield Steph Rowe-Elliott’s fast pace ensured the ball remained with Henley down the wing. In the second half, Emily Matthews — named girl of the game — was perfectly positioned to convert Jo Corbett’s powerful strike, doubling Henley’s lead. The team continued to dominate possession, showcasing energy and cohesion across all positions. Their disciplined performance not only secured the win but also helped Henley retain their second-place standing in the league table.

Henley Ladies 4ths were in fine form for their match against Wallingford Ladies 6ths.

The ladies were thrilled to be the first of the Henley teams to play on official pitch launch day, quickly dominating in the Wallingford half.

Tilly Alderton was the first to take a shot on goal, which was deflected by the keeper, followed by Charlotte Moore who took advantage of a break to drive into the D with a set piece alongside Bea Watts, but was unable to convert into a goal.

Charlotte Clarke put the ball away to score Henley’s first goal. Henley stepped up their game, Emily Mir was tireless on the left side, winning the ball from Wallingford’s attacking players, transferring it to Nicola Nott who drove up to the forwards, to win several short corners. The mid-fielders and forwards continued to battle away in the D until Clarke scored a second goal just before half-time.

The second half began with high energy. Emilia Ziegler was in full command of the right side as she picked up the ball and drove the line again and again. Some further shots on goal were deflected and fed out to the Wallingford press who transferred the ball dangerously into Henley’s third. Amy Hill and Watts took advantage of a momentary lapse from the goalkeeper to battle the ball away allowing Watts to knock it into the back of the net.

The short corners came thick and fast for Henley who scored again making it 4-0. Captain Ali and Alderton put on a final show with a text book 1-2 into the D which Alderton finished off calmly with a nonchalant strike on target, making it 5-0 to Henley at the final whistle.