Henley Hawks Netball Never Give Up!
On Saturday (26 February) Henley Hawks took on Volume in Division 1 of the Reading Netball League.
It was a tense game with Henley leading by three goals at the end of the first two quarters.
Henley continued to push hard in the second half and were leading 26 -19 at the end of the third quarter. But Volume were strong and fought back in the final quarter with a relentless attack. The Hawks struggled to keep the opposition out resulting in a draw at the whistle.
The final score 34 – 34.
Two days later The Hawks were back in action in the Premier Division of the Maidenhead and District Netball League. It was a wet Monday evening as they took to court against Redbacks.
The teams were evenly matched in the first quarter with Redbacks leading 9 – 8. The defensive duo of Emma Payne (GK) and Lydia Johnston (GD) worked well together in the second quarter to prevent the opposition from scoring opportunities. The team pushed hard to get the ball moving back down the court which resulted in Henley going into the second half with a three-goal advantage. The score 16 – 13 to the Hawks.
In the second half Henley dominated the court with Emma Johnston (C) making her return from maternity leave. The Hawks created beautiful space down the court and worked the ball down the wings into Sammy Coff (WA) and Clare McCarthy (WD). The score 27 – 18 at the end of the third quarter.
The momentum for Henley continued in the final quarter with excellent shooting from Katie Bayfield (GA) and Chanti Stubbs (GS). The team worked brilliantly together resulting in a convincing win for the Hawks.
The final score 39 – 24 to Henley Hawks.
On Wednesday (2 March) it was another rainy evening as Henley Hawks 2 faced Blue Magnets 2 in Division 4 of the Maidenhead & District League.
The pace of the game was frantic from the whistle as the teams matched each other goal for goal in the opening minutes. Henley moved the ball well with Sarah Filby (GD) and Sarah Kenyon (GK) working hard in the shooting D to prevent scoring opportunities.
The score 7 – 4 to Henley at the end of the first quarter.
Going into the second quarter the opposition picked up the pace and were making some great turnovers. Louise Todd (WA) and Holly Maddock (WD) moved swiftly down the wings and tried to create space for Henley to attack but the ball just wouldn’t go in for the Hawks.
The half time score 11 – 9 to Blue Magnets.
In the second half the Hawks switched it up and bought Jodie Curran into defence. The team continued to work the ball well with Sophie Surman (C) creating some beautiful space and making herself available for every pass.
Going into the fourth quarter Henley were still trailing but knew the win was possible and came out fighting. The Hawks scrapped for every ball; working well together down the court and into the attack. Izzy Tebbutt (GS) kept her composure and made some brilliant shots for Henley with the strong support of Bea Barefield (GA). It was a nail biter to the end but Henley managed to snatch the victory in the last minutes.
The final result 21 – 20 to the Henley Hawks.
Henley Hawks would like to give thanks to their sponsors Hart Street Tavern and Lady Sew & Sew.
