Henley Hawks Spirit
The Henley Hawks Netball Team experienced mixed fortunes in their respective divisions in the Maidenhead and District Netball Leagues this week.
On Monday (24 January) Henley Hawks played a brilliant match against Mavericks in the Premier Division.
The Hawks started off strong with Emma Payne (GK) and Lydia Johnston (GD) working well together. The defensive duo marked the opposition close and prevented scoring opportunities with great interceptions; only letting in 6 goals in the first quarter.
This momentum continued into the second quarter. The Hawks worked the ball well down court and maintained the lead. The score now 18 – 12 to The Hawks at half time.
The Hawks confidence grew through out the match. Chanti Stubbs (GS) and Katie Bayfield (GA) used their height to their advantage and scored some impressive goals, furthering the lead by another 11 goals going into the final quarter.
The centre court players Judy Goforth (C), Sammy Coff (WA) and Clare McCarthy (WD) worked beautifully together through out the match creating great space and continually moving to work the ball back into the scoring D. Even though the Mavericks valiantly fought back in the fourth quarter, The Hawks held strong for the victory.
The final score 36 – 31 to The Hawks.
On Wednesday (26 January) it was the turn of Henley Hawks 2, who took to the court against Cherry Bombs in Division 4.
In the first quarter the Hawks struggled to get off the mark; Belle Tebbutt (GA) and Lauren Maddock (GS) quickly realising they were facing a tough defence. The opposition pushed hard and scrapped for possession resulting in the score being 6 -1 to Cherry Bombs going into the second quarter.
The Hawks battled to get back into the game and started to find their feet. The defensive trio of Sarah Kenyon (GK), Juliet Machan (GD) and Bea Barefield (WD) worked hard to win the ball and made great interceptions. The first half ending 11 – 5 to Cherry Bombs.
After a rallying talk from Head Coach Lou Porter The Hawks came out fighting in the third quarter. Louise Todd was moved into centre position, alongside Nikki Stubbs (WA) and Sarah Filby into GD. The teams appeared a lot more evenly matched and the Hawks were now only 5 goals behind at the end of the third quarter. The score now 14 – 9.
The team continued to fight hard for possession in the fourth quarter but the goals just wouldn’t go in for Henley.
The game ending 18 – 10 to Cherry Bombs.
Henley Hawks would like to give thanks to their sponsors Hart Street Tavern and Lady Sew & Sew.
