Allen makes changes for Oundle trip as injuries take their toll

HENLEY Hawks travel to Northamptonshire tomorrow (Saturday) for their first ever clash with Oundle RFC. Kick-off for the National Division 2 East encounter at Occupation Road is 2pm.

Despite running table toppers Old Albanian close last weekend, Henley left empty-handed and will have been disappointed not to have secured at least a bonus point for their efforts.

However, the games don’t get any easier for director of rugby Luke Allen’s side as Oundle currently sit in second place in the table having narrowly beaten the Hawks 33-29 with the last play of the game back in October.

With Henley occupying second from bottom in the league table, lying two points behind Sevenoaks who visit Dry Leas at the end of February, it really has become a crucial stage of the season with the Hawks now desperate for points over the next month as they try and claw back some lost ground.

In terms of team news, Allen has had to shuffle the pack for the trip to Oundle with both Liam Goodison and Sam Lunnon out of action following knocks.

Fin Basil moves to the second row with Morgan Poiner starting at blindside flanker following an impressive run of form for Henley 2nds. Will Benning makes his first start at number eight since the London Welsh game back in December, whilst the backs remain unchanged from last week’s match.

On the bench, there is a return to Henley for Beau Delaney as a replacement hooker. The Hawks also welcome flanker Max Brown who joins on loan from Rams, along with fellow back rower Rory Cramp who signs from Camberley.

The provisional Henley side to face Oundle is as follows: 1 Moses Fakatou, 2 Spencer Hayhow,

Elsewhere tomorrow, Henley 2nds are away at Gosford All Blacks with a 2pm kick-off while Henley 3rds are without a fixture. On Sunday, Henley Hawks Women welcome Bath to Dry Leas, kick-off 2pm.