Poletti brace not enough as London Irish prevail

HENLEY Hawks Women welcomed back Shira Kilgallen, making her first appearance back from injury for their Championship South Division 1 clash with London Irish last Sunday.

Henley started brightly, exiting well from their own half and showing early composure on the ball. However, a knock-on gifted London Irish an attacking platform they didn’t waste, crossing for the opening converted try.

Play settled into a fierce contest around the halfway line, with neither side giving ground easily. Eventually, London Irish broke the deadlock again, adding an unconverted try to extend their lead to 12-0.

Henley responded with one of their best phases of the half, building pressure deep in the London Irish 22. They crossed the line but were held up, though the moment ignited the home side. The forwards took control, battering their way toward the line before Nina Poletti powered over for Henley’s first score. The conversion drifted wide, leaving the half-time score at 12-5 to the visitors.

The second half began with both sides showing renewed energy. Henley dominated at scrum time, winning multiple scrum penalties, but despite their set-piece strength, they struggled to generate meaningful momentum with ball in hand.

London Irish capitalised clinically on their opportunities, running in three quick tries to surge ahead 29-5.

Another prolonged stalemate followed as the teams battled for territory. London Irish again found the breakthrough, adding a converted try to push the score to 36-5.

Henley’s forwards continued to fight hard and their persistence paid off when Polleti smashed over for her second try of the match, though the conversion was unsuccessful. London Irish had the final say, adding one more try.