Hawks Face Fierce Contest Against Dings Crusaders
Henley Hawks are back at home this weekend when they play host to Dings Crusaders RFC in their latest National 2 (South) fixture. Kick off at Dry Leas is 3pm.
The Hawks will be buoyed by their visit to Rochford last week, a potential ‘banana skin’ game, where they came away with a confident 37-15 victory. The Hawks are now building some momentum having won four of the last five games and are now in eighth position in the league, only nine points behind the leaders with a game in hand (against leaders Redruth). The Hawks are starting to show their familiar brand of quick, open rugby and wings George Wood and Reuben Norville both crossed for tries again at Rochford, Norville taking his tally to seven for the season so far. Hooker Tom Emery also scored again.
Bristol based Dings Crusaders have been regular opponents for the Hawks over the years and are now an established club at this level. Games against Dings are often open affairs but the Hawks will know they will be in for a fierce contest as Dings are an aggressive side in the true traditions of West Country rugby.
So far this season, Dings have won four of their eleven games to date and lie just one place below the Hawks in ninth position. They have victories over Bury St Edmunds, Westcliff, Barnstaple and Canterbury. Last week they shared a 21-21 draw with Barnes. Outside half Ben Bolster is a former Hawk.
Redruth stay at the top of the league thanks to a close 26-22 win away at Canterbury. They have the same number of points as Esher (but with a game in hand) who beat Old Albanian 41-21. Worthing, who surprisingly lost to Hinckley are now third and Guernsey are fourth thanks to a 60-5 victory over bottom club Westcliff. There were also wins for Leicester Lions and Clifton.
There is plenty of other rugby to enjoy this weekend. Also playing on Saturday are the Henley Bulls (2nd XV) who have a home game against old rivals Richmond Normans. Kick off is 2.30pm. The Henley Vikings (3rd XV) have a League game away in Sonning against Berkshire Shire Hall 1st XV. Kick off is at 2.15pm.
On Sunday, the Henley Hawks Women have another league game. They are at home to Swindon Supermarine at Dry Leas, kick off is 2pm.
The Henley Colts also play on Sunday, hosting Marlow at Dry Leas. Kick off is also 2pm.
