Hawks Return Home to Face Juddians
Henley Hawks return to league action tomorrow (Saturday) when they host Tonbridge Juddian RFC in their latest National 2 (East) fixture. Kick off at Dry Leas is 3pm.
Last week was a rest week for league rugby, giving the Hawks the opportunity to put the disappointing result at North Walsham behind them, and to give the coaches more time to get the squad to gel together as a team unit, eradicate unforced errors and encourage effective game management. It will also give the squad a chance to reflect on the league campaign so far. The Hawks have the capability to beat any team in the league on their day and will be looking for more consistency in performance as there are no easy matches and every victory has to be earned. But a home game, in front of their own supporters, is an ideal chance to make sure that last week can be put behind them.
That said, two other teams that were tipped to be challengers, Worthing and Tonbridge have also had an inconsistent start to their campaigns. Only Blackheath are left with 100% record with a whole pack of clubs, including the Hawks and this week’s opponents Tonbridge, close on their heels.
Games between Henley and Tonbridge are often close affairs and the Hawks won’t have it all their own way, as the Kent side are always a useful, well drilled outfit.
Last season, Tonbridge played in National League 1 (the highest level in the clubs history) but finished bottom and have hence been relegated back to National 2.
So far this season, they have recorded victories against Guernsey, Bury St Edmunds and Canterbury but have lost to Old Albanian and surprisingly at home to Rochford Hundred in the first game of the season.
On their last visit to Dry Leas in February 2020, the Kent side squeezed home by a point with an 18-17 victory.
There is plenty of other rugby at Dry Keas on Saturday with both the Henley Bulls (2nd XV) and Henley Vikings (3rd XV) at home. The Bulls take on Rosslyn Park 2nd XV while the Vikings are hosting Beaconsfield 2nd XV. Kick off times are expected to be staggered so please check the club website for details.
