Hawks swoop to hand Swifts first league defeat of season

HENLEY HAWKS 1sts put in a good performance to beat Maidenhead and District League Premier Division leaders SWIFTS in their first defeat of the season, 31-25.

Hawks made an good start, settling quickly and finding impressive shooting rhythm from the first whistle. Their attacking unit capitalised on every opportunity, while the defensive circle applied good pressure to deny Swifts time on the ball as they ended the first quarter 11-4 ahead.

The second quarter continued in the same vein as accurate shooting continued to be a standout feature, allowing Hawks to pull further ahead, 19-9.

Swifts lifted their intensity in the third quarter as they tightened up defensively and created more turnover opportunities to reduce the gap to six goals, with the score at
25-19 heading into the final break.

The final quarter was a thrilling, end-to-end contest, with both teams going goal for goal. Hawks remained calm under pressure, sticking to their structures and using their early dominance to manage the game effectively and run out winners by six goals.

HENLEY HAWKS 2nds picked up their first Division 1 win of the season as they defeated DIAMONDS 51-39.

From the opening whistle, Hawks set the tone with sharp phase play and pinpoint passing through court. Their attacking unit settled immediately, with the shooters finding their rhythm early and converting almost every opportunity. At the opposite end, defensive pressure forced turnover after turnover, allowing Hawks to storm into an 11-goal lead by the first break.

Diamonds tightened their structures in the second quarter, slowing Hawks’ free-flowing attack. The game settled into a goal-for-goal rhythm, with neither team able to pull away. Hawks maintained composure and their disciplined approach ensured they carried their
11-goal advantage into half-time.

The third quarter saw Hawks reclaim control. Slick mid-court transitions and renewed defensive intensity helped them stretch the lead to 13.

Diamonds mounted a spirited comeback attempt in the final quarter but the Hawks ran out comfortable 12-goal winners.

In Division 4, HENLEY HAWKS 4ths edged a close encounter, 25-24, against FLAMINGO MAGIC.

Hawks settled quickly into their rhythm, converting their early chances. Their calm decision-making through court earned them a slender one-goal advantage at the first break.

The second quarter was tight with both sides matching each other shot for shot. Neither team managed to pull away as the play flowed end-to-end, meaning Hawks retained their narrow one-goal cushion heading into half-time.

In the third quarter a couple of crucial turnovers allowed Magic to swing momentum in their favour. Hawks worked hard to stay in touch, but Magic nudged ahead to take a two-goal lead into the final quarter.

In the final quarter Hawks drew level almost immediately and from there the match became a tactical battle, with both teams converting their centre passes under pressure. With the clock ticking down, Hawks capitalised on a vital opportunity to edge ahead by a goal and secure the win.

In Division 3, HENLEY HAWKS 5ths went down to a 47-26 defeat against unbeaten AURORA. The opening quarter was a competitive one, with Hawks settling quickly into their rhythm. Aurora edged ahead by making the most of their early chances, finishing the quarter with a narrow three-goal lead.

Aurora were formidable in the second quarter, with their accuracy and speed extending their advantage to 12 goals at the half-time break.

Hawks defensive unit worked tirelessly to disrupt Aurora’s flow in the third quarter and in attack the team produced some strong passages of play, reducing the deficit to 10 goals.

The final quarter saw Aurora continue their consistent work in the shooting circle, maintaining their control of the match, to pull away to win by 21 goals.