Injuries take toll as Henley lose out

A DEPLETED Henley Hawks Women’s side, with a series of injuries that left them light on replacements, lost out at Bath Women during their Championship South encounter last Sunday.

From the opening whistle, Henley showed intent, dominating in the scrum and defending with determination. Hard-hitting tackles from Amber Robson, Becky Bristow and Gianna Noble-Cunningham set the tone for a physical first half in which the visitors competed strongly across the park.

Henley suffered an early setback when Robson was forced off with injury before half-time, replaced by Kate Hallett. Bath capitalised late in the half, crossing for a converted try following a penalty to take a 7-0 lead into the break.

The home side came out firing after the restart, scoring two quick converted tries to stretch the score to 21-0. Henley were dealt another blow with another injury but continued to show resilience and fight. Their efforts were rewarded when the forwards forced a turnover from a Bath line-out and quick hands sent Liv Lowrie powering over the line for Henley’s only try of the match. The conversion narrowly missed, leaving the score at 21-5.

Bath continued to press hard, but the Hawks’ defensive line held firm time and again. Eventually, Bath added to their tally with a well-worked try.

A further injury to Hallett during a scrum meant Henley finished the match with
14 players. Despite being a player down, the Hawks battled bravely until the final whistle, with the match ending 33-5 to Bath.

Gianna Noble-Cunningham was named Henley’s players’ player of the match after an outstanding all-round performance in both defence and attack.