Mixed fortunes for Hawks teams in weekend double header

HENLEY HAWKS MIXED secured a hard-fought 30-24 victory against a skilful WARWICK UNIVERSITY side last weekend.

The Hawks started strongly, with Alex Jacob leading the shooting circle and his composure under pressure and accurate finishing set the tone for the match.

Zak Brown, partnering Jacob, showed his agility and sharp shooting, while Charlotte Richards provided exceptional support, feeding pinpoint passes into the circle. Dani Marin-Florido was a powerhouse, controlling the mid-court with his energy and vision.

Louise Todd and Claire Moyses worked tirelessly to disrupt Warwick’s attacking flow while Aston Morris was a defensive wall, keeping the opposition shooters at bay.

The first quarter was a close contest, with both teams battling for dominance. Jacob and Brown capitalised on every opportunity, their chemistry in the circle proving crucial while defensively, Aston Morris and Moyses intercepted key plays, helping the Hawks edge the quarter 9-8.

The second quarter saw Warwick fight back, testing the Hawks’ resolve. Marin-Florido remained composed in the centre, linking the attack and defence seamlessly, while Charlotte Richards’ quick feeds into the shooters kept the Hawks competitive.

Todd’s defensive pressure and Moyses’ interceptions helped limit Warwick’s chances, but the opposition rallied to level the score at 16-16 by half-time.

The Hawks introduced impact players Rayon Atkinson, Eden Wakefield-James and Emma Robinson in the third quarter. This tactical change contributed to the defensive wall, as Atkinson and Wakefield-James formed a formidable defensive partnership, cutting off Warwick’s attacking options. Robinson’s creative play and sharp feeding added a new dimension to the Hawks’ attack, while Jacob and Zak Brown capitalised on the opportunities created. By the end of the quarter, the Hawks had pulled ahead 23-20.

With a three-goal lead heading into the final quarter, the Hawks pushed to close out the game. Brown was in phenomenal form, converting under pressure. The defensive duo of Wakefield-James and Atkinson, applied relentless pressure to keep Warwick at bay.

Marin-Florido’s leadership in the mid-court, combined with the tireless work of Todd and Robinson, ensured the Hawks maintained control as they ran out six-goal winners. Jacob was named player of the match.

In a second match, HENLEY HAWKS MIXED went down to a 29-27 defeat against MERCENARIES MIXED.

The game began with Alex Jacob commanding the shooting circle, supported by the sharp and agile Stephen Kelly. Emma Robinson — later named player of the match — brought exceptional precision and creativity, linking well with Charlotte Richards.

Defensively, Charlie Jordan and Rayon Atkinson worked tirelessly to disrupt Mercenaries’ play, while Eden Wakefield-James held the fort with steely resilience against the opposing shooters.

The first quarter was a tight affair, with both teams testing each other’s strategies. The Hawks fought hard to find rhythm in attack, and despite some great passages of play, the Mercenaries edged the quarter 6-5.

As the second quarter unfolded, the Hawks began to build momentum. Richards was instrumental in feeding the circle, while Robinson’s movement and sharp feeds provided crucial opportunities for Jacob and Kelly to convert. Defensively, Atkinson and Jordan increased their pressure, forcing errors from the Mercenaries. However, a late surge from the opposition saw the scoreline tilt in their favour at half-time, 13-10.

Determined to turn the game around, the Hawks brought on their impact players in the third quarter, with Dani Marin-Florido stepping in at Ccentre and Grace Morton-Woodruff in defence. Marin-Florido’s energy through the middle and Morton-Woodruff’s composed defending rejuvenated the team, leading to one of the most exciting quarters of the match. Robinson continued to shine, creating seamless transitions into attack and executing technical plays that showcased her vision and skill. The Hawks’ relentless teamwork paid off, levelling the game at 20-20 going into the final quarter.

Richards and Jordan re-entered into the match for the Hawks side for the final quarter of the match.

Hawks attackers were clinical in their shooting, while Wakefield-James pulled off key turnovers to keep the Hawks in contention. Despite their best efforts and some good defensive work from Jordan and Atkinson, the Mercenaries managed to edge ahead in the final moments, clinching the win by just two goals.