Hawks Women Put in Determined Effort Against Thurrock

Thurrock Women 38 Henley Hawks Women 5

This week saw a match of two very different halves.

A fierce start from the Hawks saw a determined team put instant pressure on the opposition and encamped themselves in Thurrock’s territory.  The ladies looked dangerous in possession and created a number of opportunities in the first half.  A break down the wing, saw Thurrock score and convert the first points of the game.  However, this did not dampen spirits but instead initiated a counter attack and the move was finished well by Emily Bagguley assisted by Nina Webb 12 minutes later.  A determined attitude saw the first half end in promising fashion despite the score line of 12-5 to the home side.

Heads held high and targets set, the Hawks proceeded to hold their ground and make Thurrock work hard for the ball defending well in our own half.  However, in the 56th minute Thurrock scored again making it 19-5.  Numerous halts and injuries saw Hawks chance to claw themselves back in to the games slip away and Thurrock capitalise on minor errors and mismatched numbers.  Two very promising breaks from our backs had us ruing missed chances, which prevented us from adding to the scoreline.  It is very hard to see the score card, once again, not a true reflection of the tremendous shift put in by the squad today. Bodies were put on the line, composure tested to it’s limit and evidence of this very new team taking shape on a united front.

Player’s player – Nina Webb.  Nina was a constant threat to the Thurrock defence.  She combined great athleticism, pace and footwork with running some great angles of running an consistently went forward in attack and crossed the opposition gain line.  She made several line breaks in attack and had a wonderful assist for Emily Bagguley’s try.

Coaches Player – Katie Phillips.  This could have gone to any of the front or second row.  The scrum put huge pressure on Thurrock and the line-out was a great attacking platform for us.  Katie threw into the line-out accurately with her hands following through the jumper’s target.  She competed for the ball effectively at defensive break downs, slowing the opposition ball down well.

We look ahead to our next fixture, continue to work our socks off and focus on the positives from today’s performance.

Report by Lotti Cargen