Bayfield and Jacob goals help Henley retain pole position

HENLEY HAWKS 1sts continued their dominance in the Maidenhead and District League’s Premier Division with a thrilling 34-33 victory against BLACK MAGIC in a match that remained on a knife’s edge until the final whistle.

Hawks started strong, using quick ball movement to carve through Magic’s defence and establish an early three-goal lead by the end of the first quarter. Defensive duo Chanti Stubbs and Claire Moyses were quick to shut down Magic’s attacking options, while Lydia Johnston-Coff and George Robertson worked tirelessly through the mid-court to keep Hawks in control.

Black Magic hit back in the second quarter, stepping up their defensive pressure and forcing crucial turnovers. Their relentless drive saw them level the scores by half-time.

With both teams locked in a tight battle, the third quarter saw a strategic switch for Hawks, with Moyses and Johnston-Coff alternating to adapt to Magic’s attacking threats. The game remained goal for goal, but Hawks edged ahead by a single goal going into the final quarter.

The last 15 minutes were a true test of composure. With every centre pass converted, it became a matter of who would hold their nerve. In the closing moments, Hawks’ shooting duo of Katie Bayfield and Alex Jacob remained clinical under pressure, securing the narrowest of wins.

In Division 1 of the Reading and District League, HENLEY HAWKS 1sts ran out 58-39 winners against TRBL.

The opening quarter saw TRBL take an early lead, slotting in the first couple of goals before Hawks responded with intensity. With sharp attacking play and composed shooting from Alex Jacob and Katie Bayfield, Hawks gained control, closing the first quarter with a 17-10 advantage.

Hawks stretched their the lead in the second quarter with seamless transitions through the court. Sammy Johnston-Coff and Emma Robinson worked tirelessly to feed the shooting circle, while Totie Thomas, Molly Edmondson and Lucy Sharman-Monday applied relentless defensive pressure, forcing turnovers as Hawks went into half-time leading 34-16. TRBL edged the third quarter, capitalising on brief lapses in Hawks play to reduce the deficit to 15 goals.

Despite the arrival of drizzle in the final quarter, the Hawks shooters continued their clinical form, with pinpoint feeds into the circle and fluid movement through the court to run winners by 19 goals.

In Division 2 of the Maidenhead and District League, HENLEY HAWKS 2nds secured a hard-fought 25-24 win against AVENGERS. The result keeps Hawks in third place in the league.

The match started at a fast pace, with Hawks settling into their rhythm early on. Strong attacking play and sharp shooting saw them take a three-goal lead by the end of the first quarter. Avengers refused to let the game slip away, applying pressure in the second quarter. Both teams showed excellent defensive resilience, making turnovers difficult to come by.

With neither side able to break the deadlock, Hawks maintained their three-goal advantage heading into half-time.

Avengers came out firing in the third quarter, making key positional changes that shifted the momentum in their favour. They tightened up their defence and capitalised on scoring opportunities, steadily closing the gap to just one goal. The final quarter was an exhilarating battle, with both teams fighting for every pass, interception and rebound.

The lead swung back and forth as each side looked to seize control, but Hawks held firm under pressure, keeping their composure to see out a thrilling one-goal victory.

Elsewhere in the division, HENLEY HAWKS 3rds edged out MARGARITAS 37-33. The opening quarter saw both teams evenly matched, trading goals in a tightly contested start. However, by the first break, Margaritas had managed to carve out a narrow one-goal advantage.

Hawks came out fired up in the second quarter, stepping up their intensity and capitalising on turnovers to turn the deficit around. Their attacking play clicked into gear, and by half-time, they had taken control, leading by two goals.

The third quarter saw the Hawks stamp their authority on the game. Relentless defensive pressure limited Margaritas opportunities, while their own attacking unit made the most of their numerous chances. With a clinical performance, they surged ahead, extending their lead to 12 goals.

Margaritas refused to back down in the final quarter, showing good resilience they mounted a spirited comeback, chipping away at the deficit as the clock ticked down. Despite their efforts, time was against them, and Hawks’ third-quarter dominance ultimately proved the difference.

The previous weekend, a squad of 10 HENLEY HAWKS MEN finished seven in the National Championships in a competition competed for by 14 teams.

The tournament was split into two stages, with Hawks competing in a group stage against six teams from across the country. With four wins out of six, the Hawks secured their place in the quarter-finals.

In the knockout stage, the Hawks faced a formidable opponent in the 2023 champions, Knights Netball. Despite a valiant effort, Hawks fell short in this clash, against the side that went on to win this year’s competition.