Traynor impresses as Whiteknights are put to the sword

HENLEY HAWKS 1sts went down to a narrow 44-43 defeat against WOODLEY in their Berkshire Premier League clash.

The match opened at a fierce pace, with both teams matching each other goal for goal. Woodley edged the early lead, but Henley were fast, composed, and clinical through court, setting the tone for a tight battle.

Hawks came out firing in the second quarter. Strong passages of play through the midcourt and good feeding into the circle saw them overturn the deficit to take a 26-24 lead.

The third quarter saw Henley’s defensive unit picking off crucial interceptions and disrupting Woodley’s flow. The ball movement through the court was sharp and quick, helping them maintain a narrow one-goal advantage heading into the final period.

The last quarter saw both teams trading goals right to the final whistle. Despite a good performance across the court, Woodley edged the match by a single goal.

HENLEY HAWKS 2nds went down to a 37-26 defeat against Maidenhead and District League Division 1 leaders FRENZY.

The opening quarter was tightly contested but the Hawks’ shooting accuracy gave them a one-goal lead at the first break.

The second quarter saw Frenzy putting the Hawks under pressure. Despite the tough conditions and a relentless defensive challenge, the Hawks fought hard, but Frenzy’s intensity allowed them to edge ahead, taking a six-goal lead into half-time. In the third quarter the teams traded goals, evening to keep the deficit unchanged. In the final quarter, Frenzy stepped up another level and managed to create some distance. Hawks continued to battle away and despite losing by nine goals picked up a bonus point.

In Division 4, HENLEY HAWKS 4ths, who had just seven players, went down to a 30-17 defeat against SLOUGH STORM.

In Division 3 of the Reading and District League, HENLEY HAWKS 2nds ran out 52-29 winners against WHITEKNIGHTS in a high-energy encounter.

Whiteknights opened strongly, with their goal attack scoring consistently whenever the ball reached her hands. Hawks centre Nikki Stubbs quickly settled the tempo, orchestrating play with composure and ensuring a steady supply of ball into the attacking circle. Player-of-the-match Aleesha Traynor and Zoe Burroughs, positioned in the shooting circle, responded with agility and determination.

Fresh legs in the form of Juliet Machan added renewed energy to the mid-court, helping Henley maintain momentum. The transition from centre to Millie Roberts on wing attack was seamless, with Roberts delivering pinpoint passes into the circle that consistently found their mark.

As the match progressed, Henley grew in confidence and cohesion. Their structured play, sharp interceptions, and clinical finishing allowed them to extend their lead.

Sustained pressure across all thirds of the court ultimately secured a convincing win by
23 goals.