Henley gain bonus point after hosts fend off late fightback

HENLEY Hawks Women were left with just a single losing bonus point to show for a fiercely contested afternoon at Oakfield on Sunday as Thurrock edged a tight encounter in Championship South Division 1.

In a game decided by the finest of margins, the Hawks showed character, physicality and resilience, pushing the home side all the way to the final whistle and coming agonisingly close to a memorable away victory.

Henley started the match with real intent, meeting Thurrock’s early physical challenge head-on and competing strongly at the breakdown.

The Hawks’ line speed in defence caused early disruption, forcing errors and preventing Thurrock from finding attacking fluency. Despite that resistance, sustained pressure allowed the hosts to open the scoring. Henley responded positively, regaining territory through strong carries and intelligent kicking, and were rewarded with a well-worked try scored by Gen Moody, converted by Unaisi Bulivuata that brought them straight back into the contest.

The remainder of the half was evenly balanced, with both sides trading possession and territory. Henley’s defence held firm through extended periods in their own half, ensuring the Hawks went into the break very much in the fight, trailing by only a slender 10-7 margin.

The second half was played at the same high intensity, with neither side willing to give an inch. Thurrock extended their lead early in the half, but Henley’s response was immediate and full of intent.

A key moment came with the introduction of Kathryn Robinson, making a hugely impressive return to the side following the birth of her baby. Robinson’s impact was felt straight away, bringing energy, physicality and composure to the breakdown. Her carries and work rate helped Henley build momentum, lifting the tempo of the Hawks’ attack and driving them forward during a crucial phase of the game. Henley were rewarded for that pressure with another well-taken try from Sophie Shams, not converted, closing the gap to 22-13 and setting up a tense final quarter.

With Robinson leading by example, the Hawks continued to challenge the hosts, putting together sustained attacking phases and forcing the home side to defend deep inside their own half.

As the clock wound down, Henley pushed hard for a decisive score with Gianna Noble-Cunningham powering her way over the line, converted by Abbie Michelow. There was a real belief that the Hawks had a late opportunity to draw level or even snatch victory but Thurrock were able to see out the closing moments. Hawks picked up a losing bonus point for their efforts.