Dominant scrum helps side overturn first half deficit

HENLEY Hawks Women overturned a first-half deficit in a superb second-half performance to secure a thrilling Championship South Division 1 home victory against Bath last Sunday.

On a greasy afternoon at Dry Leas, Bath quickly made it clear they were intent on keeping Henley pinned back. Handling was at a premium in the conditions, leading to a stop-start opening spell dominated by scrums — an area where Henley steadily began to assert control.

Despite growing pressure from the Hawks, it was Bath who opened the scoring. A chip over the defensive line allowed their winger to break through and score in the corner, giving the visitors a 5-0 lead after the conversion was missed.

Henley’s scrum became increasingly dominant, repeatedly forcing Bath backwards and winning crucial penalties. Defensively, the Hawks were immense. Huge tackles — including a crunching hit from Ellie Smales — combined with good cover from Gen Moody and relentless work at the breakdown to repel wave after wave of Bath attacks. Time and again, strong tackles and aggressive clear-outs forced knock-ons and turnovers deep in Henley territory.

Bath’s reluctance to take shots at goal, even when presented with kickable penalties, proved costly as Henley absorbed the pressure and gradually began to swing the momentum. The breakthrough came after the restart. From sustained pressure early in the second half, Shira Kilgallon powered over for Henley’s first try, levelling the contest. The conversion was missed, but the Hawks were firmly on the front foot.

Ten minutes later, Henley struck again. Building off another scrum, the Hawks worked patiently before Hermine Titcombe crossed for the second try, this time converted by Faye Stratford, pushing Henley into the lead.

With Bath chasing the game, Henley’s pack continued to impose themselves. In the 60th minute, another powerful scrum earned a penalty in front of the posts, and Faye calmly slotted the kick to extend the advantage.

The closing stages were tense, but Henley’s resolve never wavered as their game management ensured Bath were kept at bay.