Henley Hawks sides hit back to secure district league victories

HENLEY HAWKS 1sts went down to 56-40 defeat against B’S SKY in their Berkshire Premier League fixture.

B’s started quickly and capitalised on early turnovers to take a lead, but Henley responded with patient build-up play. Johnston-Coff and Daines worked tirelessly through the mid-court to find space and deliver accurate feeds into the shooting circle, where Hassall and Ostrowski converted under pressure. At the other end, Williams and Moyses combined effectively to contest every ball but at the end of the first quarter the B’s led 18-11.

The second quarter saw Henley settle further into the game. Cornish continued her impressive work rate in defence but the B’s extended their lead to 30-22 at half-time.

Hawks made change at the break but soon into the quarter Stephenson picked up an injury and was forced to leave the court. Henley continued to compete well across the court but B’s maintained control to lead 43-30 heading into the final quarter.

Further tactical changes were made in the final 15 minutes to maintain momentum and minimise B’s scoring opportunities but eventually Sky ran out winners by 16 goals.

HENLEY HAWKS 2nds delivered a fine comeback 39-27 victory against MAVERICKS in last weekend’s Reading and District League Division 2 encounter.

The game began slowly for Henley as Mavericks took advantage of early turnovers and unforced errors to build a 9-4 lead at the break.

Henley responded in the second quarter with improved connections through the mid-court and increased shooting accuracy, they began to apply pressure. Turnovers were converted and the momentum shifted as the Hawks moved ahead 16-13 at half-time.

The third quarter saw Henley take control. Dominant defensive work across the court disrupted Mavericks’ rhythm, while patient and precise attacking play allowed the shooters to extend the lead as Henley led 30-20.

Showing focus and composure in the last 15 minutes, Henley maintained control of the game to run out 12-goal winners. In the Maidenhead and District League Premier Division, HENLEY HAWKS 1sts staged an impressive comeback to secure a 35-26 victory against WOKINGHAM.

Wokingham started strongly, moving the ball quickly and converting their chances to take a slender 7-5 lead.

Hawks responded in the second quarter, tightening their defence and making the most of their shooting opportunities. Despite their efforts, Wokingham held on to a narrow 16-15 lead at half-time.

The turning point came in the third quarter as accurate shooting and relentless defensive pressure allowed Hawks to overturn the deficit and take a 26-24 lead heading into the final quarter. Henley maintained their composure and control, dominating the final 15 minutes to win by nine goals.

In Division 2, HENLEY HAWKS 3rds ran out 33-22 winners against PINK FLAMINGOS.

Hawks’ quick ball movement through court and confident shooting saw them take control early. By the end of the first quarter, Hawks had established a commanding seven-goal lead.

The second quarter was a much tighter contest. Pink Flamingos settled into the game and began to contest strongly through the mid-court, capitalising on a couple of turnovers. Hawks continued to work hard, but Flamingos clawed a goal back, reducing the gap to six goals.

Slick passages of play in the third quarter with clever feeds into the circle and disciplined defensive pressure allowed Hawks to regain control of the match as they gradually increased their lead in both the final quarters.

HENLEY HAWKS 4ths extended their unbeaten run in Division 4 with a 41-18 victory against BLUEBELLS. From the first whistle, Hawks turned early defensive pressure into scoring opportunities to take a five-goal lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw Hawks step up another gear, moving the ball through the mid-court and feeding their shooters with precision. The attacking circle was clinical, with barely a shot missed as the lead stretched to 13 goals by half-time.

In the second half, Hawks maintained their dominance, tight marking and disciplined defending cut off attacking options and forced errors, while patience in attack ensured the scoreline continued to grow.

The team’s intensity never dropped in the final quarter, as fresh legs brought renewed energy and helped close out a convincing and well-earned win.

In Division 3, HENLEY HAWKS 5ths drew 31-31 with BLUEBIRDS.

The first quarter was tightly contested, with the Bluebirds holding a slender one-goal advantage. Hawks came back strongly in the second quarter, overtaking the Bluebirds and extending their lead to three goals by half-time.

The third quarter saw end-to-end action, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. Hawks did manage to add one more goal, taking a four-goal cushion into the final quarter.

In the closing quarter, the Bluebirds gradually clawed back the deficit to draw level.

HENLEY HAWKS U13s ran out comfortable 29-11 winners in their clash with LAUREL PARK RED U13s.

Henley made their intentions clear from the opening whistle, taking control early to secure an 8-3 lead after the first quarter. In the shooting circle, Soraya Stender and Mabel Reed-Ryan proved an outstanding duo.

The Hawks dominated the mid-court thanks to Daisy Goforth, who dictated the tempo with good vision and link play. Amelie Woodhouse and Grace Stammers were relentless in attack and defence, constantly winning possession and keeping the ball flowing forward. Isla Lawrence injected energy and determination in a competitive mid-court battle. At half-time, Henley extended their control with a 13-7 advantage.

Henley continued to build momentum in the third quarter, stretching their lead to 18-9.

The Hawks saved their best netball for the final 10 minutes, the Hawks finished in style, scoring 11 goals and conceding just two.