Jacobs and Bayfield goals help maintain Hawks winning run

HENLEY HAWKS 1sts maintained their place at the top of the Maidenhead and District League Premier Division table after winning their sixth successive match of the campaign as they beat WINDSOR 40-32.

Henley got off to a strong start with a couple of early turnover conversions. Windsor settled as their shooters demonstrated their accuracy when they were given a chance as the first quarter ended with the Hawks leading 12-7.

In the second quarter Windsor came out strong with some good interceptions but Hawks’ defensive duo of Chanti Stubbs and Lydia Johnston-Coff made it tough going for the Windsor attack.

Judy Goforth kept Windsor’s options limited by disrupting the attacking flow. Hawks kept calm and kept scoring as they led 22-13 at half-time.

In the third quarter centre court players Charlotte Richards and Sammy Johnston-Coff kept the pace intense with speed and accuracy of passing, delivering the ball to the attacking circle. At the end of the third quarter Hawks were leading 30-23.

In the final quarter Windsor got off to a good start but Sarah Filby worked hard forcing errors, and assisting the ball through the centre court.

Phenomenal shooting accuracy by Alex Jacobs backed up by Katie Bayfield kept the Hawks goal tally healthy as they ran out winners.

In Division 2, HENLEY HAWKS 2nds ran out winners in their clash with club mates HENLEY HAWKS 3rds, 37-22.

Hawks 2nds began the game well, moving the ball through court and demonstrating accurate shooting from Totie Thomas and Kate Tremayne. Despite their early success, Hawks 3rds’ defence, led by Victoria Thorp and Lucy Sharman-Munday, made it challenging, forcing Hawks 2nds to reset multiple times to break through their defensive wall. The first quarter ended with Hawks 2nds leading 9-5.

In the second quarter, Hawks 2nds built on their lead, with strong connections through the midcourt from Leah Daines and Nikki Stubbs who both worked tirelessly to support the shooters. Sam Wakefield also played a key role in intercepting and applying pressure to Hawks 3rds’ attack. Hawks 3rds responded with impressive midcourt play from Amber Tate and Sasha Reed, who worked hard to turn over possession and create openings. By half-time, Hawks 2nds held a 19-10 lead.

As the game progressed into the third quarter, Hawks 3rds midcourt strengthened their efforts, with Marieke Fox showcasing good movement and clever passing. In the shooting circle, Millie Roberts and Annabelle James displayed resilience and good teamwork, working hard against Hawks 2nds’ formidable defence. Sarah Kenyon and Emma Robinson were sharp and on point, making vital interceptions to extend their team’s lead to 30-15 by the end of the quarter.

In the final quarter, Hawks 3rds continued their fightback, with Millie Roberts and Annabelle James combining well to close the gap. Hawks 3rds’ defenders Victoria Thorp and Lucy Sharman-Munday remained outstanding, pushing Hawks 2nds to frequently reset to the midcourt to find a way into the attacking circle.

Despite Hawks 3rds spirited play, Hawks 2nds held their composure and continued to find the net to run out winners by 15 goals.

In the Reading and District League, HENLEY HAWKS 1sts defeated LP SHOCCO 36-32 in their Division 1 clash.

The first quarter saw the Hawks establishing an early 7-5 lead. Goalkeeper Chanti Stubbs was instrumental in defence, consistently intercepting passes and putting pressure on the opposing shooters while alongside her, Lucy Sharman-Munday provided support, shutting down key attacking plays from LP Shocco.

As the game progressed, the Hawks maintained their momentum, with Totie Thomas disrupting the flow of LP Shocco’s attacks and enabling quick transitions to attack while the midcourt duo of Judy Goforth and Sammy Johnston-Cof demonstrated good synergy.

At half-time, the Hawks had extended their lead to 12-17, with Alex Jacob and Katie Bayfield displaying impressive shooting accuracy. Their chemistry on the circle’s edge allowed for seamless scoring opportunities, capitalising on the hard work of their team-mates.

The third quarter was a nail-biter, with LP Shocco tightening the score to 23-25. However, the Hawks held their composure, thanks in part to key defensive rebounds from Stubbs and Sharman-Munday and crucial assists from Goforth.

In the final quarter, the Hawks pushed through, relying on their defensive tenacity and the sharp shooting skills of Bayfield and Jacob to secure their victory. Goforth’s performance earned her the player of the match award.