League leaders have edge in derby clash

HENLEY HAWKS 2nds went down to a 39-35 defeat against DIAMONDS in their top-of-the-table Maidenhead and District League Division 2 clash.

Jules Tomlinson set the tempo for the Hawks, working hard to distribute the ball under pressure, while Nikki Stubbs battled to deliver accurate feeds into the shooting circle.

Despite their efforts, Kate Tremayne and Totie Thomas found themselves under relentless defensive pressure from Diamonds’ backline, which disrupted their usual shooting rhythm.

In defence, Lou Todd and Cate Fitt worked tirelessly to contain Diamonds’ attackers, while Sarah Kenyon made some key interceptions. However, Diamonds’ clinical shooting and fast transitions saw them take a four-goal lead by the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Tremayne switched with Thomas, but Diamonds continued to apply pressure, extending their lead. Despite the tireless efforts of the mid-court players and strong defensive play from Todd and Kenyon, Hawks found themselves trailing by seven goals at halftime.

Hawks regrouped for the third quarter with key positional changes. Emma Robinson entered the court, partnering with Tremayne in the shooting zone.

Fitt and Kenyon combined well to limit Diamonds’ shooting opportunities, while Robinson and Tremayne began to find their rhythm in the circle. Hawks’ efforts paid off as they stopped Diamonds from pulling further away.

In the final quarter, Hawks mounted a determined comeback. Thomas partnering with Tremayne showcased sharp shooting under pressure, capitalising on turnovers created by the defensive trio of Robinson who switched to goal defence and Kenyon.

Tomlinson and Todd switched position supporting Stubbs who drove the ball through the court with precision, helping Hawks steadily close the gap. However, Diamonds’ early lead proved too much to overturn, and they held on to secure the win.

In Division 4, league leaders HENLEY HAWKS 5ths defeated HENLEY HAWKS 4ths 30-19.

Hawks 5ths started strongly, their precise shooting, passing and ability to find space, and cohesive play allowed them to take an early lead, finishing the first quarter 10-5 ahead.

The second quarter continued at a high tempo, with both teams scoring and defending well. Hawks 5ths continued to apply pressure, showing their attacking prowess and defensive organisation, extending their lead to 16-9 by halftime.

Despite the score-line, Hawks 4ths displayed resilience, improving their play and beginning to adapt as they grew more familiar with their new line-up.

In the third quarter, the end-to-end action continued, with both teams battling fiercely. Hawks 4ths added six goals and began to find their rhythm, especially in defence, but Hawks 5ths’ composure and fluid teamwork helped them widen the gap further, ending the quarter 25-15 ahead.

In the final quarter, Hawks 5ths had the edge as they ran out winners by 11 goals. The result leaves Hawks 5ths top of the table with Hawks 4ths in third place.

On Sunday HENLEY HAWKS MIXED ran out 39-21 winners against SURREY HURRICANES MIXED.

The game started off close, with both Alex Jacob’s and Stephen Kelly’s pin point shooting accuracy, allowing Hawks to remain goal for goal with the Hurricanes.

Charlotte Richards and Emma Robinson controlled the play in the mid court, allowing the Hawks to remain calm and collected through the tightly contested first few minutes. The formidable defensive trio of Charlie Jordan, Rayon Atkinson and Eden Wakefield James helped the Hawks gain a 9-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Grace Morton Woodruff took the to court for the Hawks in the second quarter as the side increased their lead to
22-10.

As the third quarter unfolded the Hawks introduced the last of their impact players, Andy Phillips, who provided a boost of speed into the shooting circle, which paired up well with Alex Jacobs strong holds.

Sammy Johnston-Coff delivered accurate feeds into the shooting circle, enabling both Jacobs and Andy Phillips to add to the Hawks lead. Surrey Hurricanes upped their intensity throughout this quarter but by the end the Hawks increased their lead to 28-15.

Richards was back on the court for the final quarter, pairing well with Johnston-Coff in the mid court. This opened up play and let the shooting duo of Robinson and Kelly capitalise on opportunities given to them as Hawks triumphed by
18 goals.