Hawks Hoping for a Win on the Road in Bury
Tomorrow (Saturday), Henley Hawks make the long journey to Suffolk to take on Bury St Edmunds RFC in their latest National 2 (South) fixture.
After back to back wins against Esher and Guernsey, the Hawks are beginning to build some good momentum, just at the right time of the season, and they should head to Suffolk with a good deal of confidence.
Despite the conditions last week, it was a good performance from the Hawks who were far superior to their Channel Island visitors in all facets of the game. They kicked from well from hand, particularly in the second half when they had the wind behind them, pinning Guernsey back in their own half for long periods. Reuben Norville picked up his fourteenth try of the season and there was a brace for the other wing George Wood.
Bury St Edmunds are a strong, well organised side capable of beating anyone on their day. They were impressive on their visit to Dry Leas back in October despite losing the game 25-24 and will be looking to turn the tables on the Hawks this time. They are currently seventh in the league and if they were more consistent, they would certainly be more involved at the top of the table. They have won eleven of their twenty games so far this season and are currently unbeaten for the last six matches. However, they haven’t managed a victory against any of the top five sides and last week they fought out a tough 6-6 draw at Barnes.
Redruth have consolidated their position at the top of the table thanks to a 40-0 drubbing if bottom side Westcliff. The Cornish side are now four points ahead of Clifton who made light work of Old Albanian, winning 52-7. The surprise of the weekend was Esher’s defeat at Hinckley, 15-13 which sees them drop to third but they still have a game in hand. Fourth placed Worthing won 21-6 at Barnstaple but failed to pick up a bonus point. The Hawks are still fifth, fourteen points behind Redruth but with nine games left, they is still much to play for.
Elsewhere in the league, there were wins for Leicester Lions and Dings Crusaders.
Henley RFC would like to thank two clubs this week for helping out, showing once again the best side of the rugby community.
Firstly to Marlow RFC, who stood by as contingency, ready to host the Hawks match against Guernsey and the Bulls match against St Jacques (subsequently postponed) after power was lost at the Henley club throughout Friday.
Also, huge thanks to Redruth RFC. When the Hawks visited a couple of weeks ago, the Cornish club held a collection for the family of Dave Hyde and raised £760 for the fund. A great effort.
Also in action on Saturday are the Henley Bulls (2ndXV). They also travel to Bury St Edmunds to take on the Bury Sr Edmunds Wolfhounds. Kick off is 2.30pm.
The Henley Vikings (3rdXV) have no game this week.
The Henley Hawks Women have a League game on Sunday. They are at home to Supermarine. Kick off at Dry Leas is 2pm.
