Nine-try Henley overpower county rivals in high-scoring clash

HENLEY Academy delivered an impressive attacking display at Banbury, running in nine tries in an entertaining and high-scoring encounter.

Henley made the perfect start from the kick-off, the ball was gathered by Harry Beesley, who broke through the Banbury defence to score in the opening minute. The conversion was missed.

Banbury responded after Henley lost a line-out, capitalising on the opportunity to score an unconverted try of their own to level the score at 5-5.

A scrum inside the Henley 22 saw good supporting lines from the visitors’ backs turning defence into attack, with the ball moved swiftly upfield for Will Huckle to finish off a length-of-the-field try, restoring Henley’s lead at 10-5. From the restart, Adam Bennett collected the ball and showed outstanding pace, running the full length of the pitch to score under the posts. Harry Beesley added the conversion to make it 17-5.

A scrum in the Banbury 22 resulted in a penalty to Henley for collapsing, and a quick tap-and-go from Jack Bradbury saw him power over under the posts. Once again, Beesley converted, making it 24-10. Poor Banbury discipline soon handed Henley further possession, and Will Huckle with another well-taken try, which he also converted to push the score out to 31-10.

Banbury showed resilience with some good support play, keeping the ball alive in attack, but a crucial charge-down and regather by Will Tavinor saw him burst through the Banbury defence to score. A good exit from Henley led to a line-out in the Banbury 22. Although Banbury initially won possession, a forward pass handed the ball back to Henley. Slick link play across the backline followed, and Beesley stepped past several defenders to score and convert once more, sending Henley into half-time 45-10 ahead.

Banbury began the second half strongly, and Henley soon found themselves under pressure after being reduced to 14 men following a yellow card. Banbury took full advantage, scoring the first try of the half, which was converted to make it 45-17.

Henley returned briefly to full strength but were soon reduced to 14 again after conceding too many penalties. Banbury continued to build momentum, adding further scores, including a powerful finish from their number eight off the back of a scrum, closing the gap to 45-29.

Banbury added another try, setting up a tense final period. However, Henley showed composure and character to regain control. Some good handling and teamwork created space for the Henley captain, Jack Bradbury, who charged his way over the line to score the final try of the match.