Mixed fortunes for Hawks as league season gets underway

HENLEY HAWKS 1sts went down to a 30-20 Maidenhead and District League Premier Division defeat against a strong PINK ANGELS side.

Pink Angels started quickly and built an early lead, finishing the first quarter 10 goals ahead.

In the second quarter, the Hawks worked hard to disrupt their opponents, but Pink Angels continued to show slick teamwork and extended their advantage to 11 goals at half-time.

The third quarter saw a much stronger response from the Hawks, who tightened up defensively and matched Pink Angels across the court to reduce the margin back to 10.

The final quarter was evenly contested, with both sides going goal for goal. Despite the Hawks’ determined second-half performance, Pink Angels’ fast start proved decisive.

In Division 1, newly-promoted HENLEY HAWKS 2nds picked up a bonus point as they lost out 28-23 to last season’s title winners MAVERICKS.

The Hawks made a good start, edging ahead by a single goal at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter remained evenly matched, with both sides converting their centre passes and refusing to give an inch. Hawks held on to their slender one-goal lead at half-time.

The pattern continued in the third quarter, as the teams battled hard and the margin stayed the same.

In the final quarter Mavericks eventually drew level and, with time running out, edged ahead for the first time in the match. A couple of costly turnovers from the Hawks were punished, allowing Mavericks to close out the game.

In Division 2, HENLEY HAWKS 3rds ran out 27-24 winners in a see-saw clash with TIGERS.

Hawks started strongly, edging ahead by a single goal at the end of the first quarter. Tigers fought back in the second quarter, capitalising on key opportunities to swing momentum their way and take a three-goal lead into half-time.

Both sides went goal-for-goal in an evenly matched third quarter. Hawks worked hard to reduce the deficit, closing the gap to just two goals heading into the final quarter.

With the game finely poised, Hawks produced a fine turnover to level the score and in the closing minutes, shut Tigers out of the attacking circle and made their chances count, turning the tide in their favour to seal a hard-fought win.

HENLEY HAWKS 4ths put in a dominant performance as they eased to a comfortable 25-4 Division 4 win against PINK FLAMINGOS MAGIC.

The Hawks’ defensive unit was relentless, denying Magic the chance to settle into their rhythm. At the other end of the court, the shooters were clinical, steadily extending the lead quarter by quarter.

The Hawks controlled the match throughout and never allowed their opponents into the contest.

In the Berkshire Premier League, newly formed HENLEY HAWKS 1sts narrowly went down to a 53-50 defeat against ACADEMY, an experienced side who had only lost a handful of matches last season.

Hawks came out firing and matched Academy’s speed and intensity, taking the first quarter 14-11 with some sharp shooting and strong defensive pressure.

The second quarter saw Academy rally, but Hawks kept their composure and continued to push, edging another tight period 27-25. With momentum building, Hawks extended their lead in the third quarter to 40-33, showcasing fast-paced play and determination across the court.

The final quarter was always going to test fitness and resolve, particularly as most of the Hawks squad had already played earlier in the day at Reading. Academy capitalised in the closing stages, pulling ahead to snatch the win by three goals in a match that saw Sammy Johnson-Coff named player-of-the-match for the Hawks. HENLEY HAWKS 1sts went down to a 45-33 Reading and District League Division 1 defeat against EXERTIS at Theale last weekend in challenging weather conditions.

The opening quarter was tightly contested, with strong defensive pressure and accurate shooting helping the Hawks edge ahead 8-7.

Exertis fought back in the second quarter as the teams went into half-time level at 18-18 after some fast, end-to-end netball.

In the third quarter, Exertis began to gain momentum, converting key turnovers to move ahead 34-27. The Hawks continued to push hard in the final quarter, showing good resilience and teamwork, but Exertis held on to take the win in a game that saw Lauren Byde named player of the match for the Hawks. In Division 3, HENLEY HAWKS 2nds went down to a 45-30 defeat against UNITE.

The Hawks started brightly with quick ball through the midcourt and sharp shooting opening quarter 11-8.

Unite responded in the second quarter, tightening up their defence and capitalising on turnovers. Hawks fought hard but the scores were locked at 18-18 going into half-time. After the break, Unite raised the intensity. Their attacking combinations flowed smoothly and they punished errors from the Hawks, edging out to a 31-23 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Henley continued to battle right until the final whistle, but Unite’s consistency saw them close out the match 45-30.