New era begins for Hawks

Henley Hawks begin the Luke Allen era with the visit of Guernsey Raiders to Dry Leas tomorrow (Saturday), kick-off is at 2pm.

New Director of Rugby, Allen takes over from the long-serving Nigel Dudding and will be keen to start the new campaign with a win over the Channel Islanders.

Despite two losses to Bracknell and Loughborough Students during pre-season, Allen will be encouraged by some of performances from his new recruits and will be looking for his squad to build on this with the visit of Guernsey.

The Channel Islanders will prove to be stern opposition, however, with the Hawks narrowly beating the Raiders twice last season.

A 28-24 win at Dry Leas last September was followed by a one-point 27-26 triumph at Footes Lane in January.

Guernsey finished in a respectable 9th place in National 2 East last season, so the Hawks will need to be at their best to come away with the spoils.

This seasons National 2 East will provide the Hawks with some intriguing match-ups against both old friends and new rivals. Esher will undoubtedly be the team to beat having been relegated from National One last season and will certainly want to bounce back at the first attempt.

Also playing on Saturday afternoon are both Henley 2nds and 3rds. The 2nds are at home to Thatcham and the 3rdss are away to Windsor 2s. Henley Hawks Women begin their pre-season preparations with the visit of Leicester Tigers to Dry Leas on Sunday.