Fifth consecutive win maintains top spot

HENLEY HAWKS 1sts extended their unbeaten run in the Maidenhead and District League Premier Division with a convincing 28-11 victory against BLACK MAGIC, marking their fifth consecutive win and solidifying their place at the top of the table.

The match was cut short after three quarters due to dangerously slippery court conditions by which time the Hawks had already stamped their authority on the game.

The first quarter saw Hawks come out strong, with Lydia Johnston-Coff putting in a standout defensive performance while Chanti Stubbs used her reach to prevent Black Magic from getting clean shots on goal, keeping their shooters frustrated.

In the second quarter, Judy Goforth replaced Sammy Johnston-Coff. Black Magic showed signs of a comeback, finding some rhythm as Hawks struggled to maintain their early momentum. Despite this, Georgia Robertson at centre and Sarah Filby made critical interceptions, ensuring Hawks kept a healthy lead.

By the third quarter, the slippery court conditions became more apparent, forcing Hawks to adapt. Sammy Johnston-Coff returned while Gosforth moved to defence.

On the attack, Katie Bayfield and Alex Jacob continued their excellent partnership and with the Hawks leading 28-11, the match was called off after three quarters due to unsafe playing conditions.

In Division 2, HENLEY HAWKS 2nds narrowly defeated AVENGERS 24-23.

In the first two quarters, Hawks struggled to find their rhythm, with long stretches of play where both teams fought hard to keep the ball. Lou Porter and Emma Robinson worked tirelessly in the defensive circle, holding Avengers at bay, while Cate Fitt provided crucial interceptions, disrupting the Avengers’ flow.

The turning point came from Hawks’ mid-court duo, Lou Todd and Leah Daines, who started to dictate the pace of the game. Their consistent feeds into the shooting circle gave Totie Thomas and Kate Tremayne the opportunities they needed to keep Hawks in the lead.

By half-time, Hawks held a narrow two-goal lead, but Avengers were relentless in their pursuit, constantly applying pressure. Despite a few nervy moments and a brief lapse in momentum, Hawks managed to hold their ground, thanks to their defensive resilience.

Heading into the final quarter, the match could have gone either way. Both teams threw everything they had into the game, but Hawks dug deep to maintain their slender advantage. Every possession became crucial, with Todd and Daines maintaining composure to ensure that the team held on.

Elsewhere in the division, HENLEY HAWKS 3rds went down 36-33 to MARGARITAS.

In the first quarter, Hawks faced a solid start from Margaritas, who took a narrow two-goal lead by the whistle. Hawks 3 quickly settled into their rhythm in the second quarter, with a dynamic new shooting combination of Millie Roberts and Annabel James working seamlessly together for the first time as they helped reverse the scoreline and put Hawks ahead.

In defence, Victoria Thorp’s commanding presence in the goal circle, coupled with quick reflexes and ability to read the game, kept Margaritas’ shooters under constant pressure.

Sasha Reed’s efforts were instrumental in intercepting key plays while Amber Tate drove the team forward with her relentless energy and accurate feeds into the circle. Marieke Fox provided good support, linking the centre court to the attack.

After the break, Margaritas came back strong and by the end of the third quarter, the scores were tied once again. A twist in the final quarter saw Margaritas lose their wing to injury, but they were quick to grab a spare player from the side of the court to continue the game.

The final 15 minutes were end-to-end action, with both teams battling fiercely for control. Despite some good interceptions from Sasha Reed and a solid defensive, Margaritas managed to capitalise on a few key turnovers, edging ahead in the closing stages to take the win.

The Division 4 derby clash saw HENLEY HAWKS 5ths defeat HENLEY HAWKS 4ths 35-16.

In the first quarter, it was Hawks 5th who took an early lead. Shooters Zoe Burroughs and Aleesha Traynor found their rhythm quickly, scoring from all angles and establishing a six-goal advantage. Their sharp shooting was backed by solid support from Malika Stubbs and Elise Russell, who moved the ball through the court. Meanwhile, Belle Tebbutt and Rachel put pressure on Hawks 4ths’ attack.

In the second quarter, Hawks 4th fought back. Tracy Hayes, commanding from the centre, helped her team regain composure and control the pace. Vicky Tebbutt and Kate Emery tightened up the defence, making it more challenging for Hawks 5ths’ shooters to get clean shots.

With Emma-Jane Ferguson feeding smart passes to Jess O’Sullivan and Claire Priddy, Hawks 4ths’ shooters found their range and began closing the gap. By half-time, Hawks 4ths had reduced the deficit to just four goals.

The second half saw Hawks 5ths step up their defensive game even further. Belle Tebbutt and Rachel Platt doubled down in the circle, allowing little space for Hawks 4ths shooters, while Jodie Hill added additional pressure to Hawks 4ths’ attack.

Elise Russell kept the game moving smoothly, finding both Burroughs and Traynor in scoring positions and their consistent shooting allowed Hawks 5ths to steadily increase their lead each quarter.

Despite the mounting pressure, Hawks 4ths showed resilience. Tebbutt and Kate Emery worked tirelessly in defence, and Tracy Hayes continued to rally the team, pushing them to fight for every possession. Their hard work and determination earned Hawks 4ths a bonus point while, Hawks 5ths maintained their unbeaten record, securing their position at the top of the table.