Beaconsfield overpower hosts

HENLEY 3rds, who have been plagued by player shortages this season, fielded a full side during their Counties 2 Tribute Ale Berks/Bucks and Oxon East defeat at home to third-placed Beaconsfield last Saturday.

Captained for the first time by Ethan Konschel, it was hoped that by playing on the main pitch at Dry Leas, with its impressive width, that Henley could benefit by the inclusion of several fast players in the open. The weather, however, had other ideas with continuous cold rain throughout the match.

Beaconsfield had a powerful pack and Henley found themselves constantly pushed back, despite the efforts of their front row with the experienced Adam Wood and a welcome return at hooker to John Cullivan.

On the open side was another returner to rugby, Will Laver, who was given man-of-the-match, for his stalwart efforts against the considerable size of his opponent, an ex-Henley 3rds player from last season.

Beaconsfield kicked off, with warnings from the match referee to adhere to the high tackle rule and, after one infringement by Beaconsfield, it was then Henley’s fate to suffer a yellow card for the offence. Marginally depleted by one player short for
10 minutes, Beaconsfield were finally able to press their advantage and score after 20 minutes, despite impressive defence by Henley, namely the back row of Adam Porter, Josh Butler and Konschel at number eight.

Beaconsfield were a well-drilled squad, particularly in defence. Henley were able to break through but found themselves undone on several attempts by passes going awry in the difficult conditions. Good breaks by Ollie and Louis Heard looked promising, but by half-time Beaconsfield had notched up another two tries, with one conversion: clearly not a day for kicking.

Beaconsfield resumed the second half with a prompt unconverted try but still struggled to claim too much ground against Henley’s resolute defence. The weather continued to spoil Henley’s breaks before Soli Whittaker, another returner on the right wing, scored a fine try from Henley’s half, beating several futile attempts to stop him. As with Beaconsfield, the kick was wide with such awful conditions.