League success for Hawks sides

HENLEY HAWKS MEN ran out 50-47 winners in their National South League clash with THAMES MAVERICKS.

The opening minutes were tight as both sides tested each other’s defences. Hawks made a strong start but a couple of loose passes allowed the Mavericks to capitalise and snatch an early lead. Despite sharp movement from Javi Marin Florido and Zak Brown, and clever feeds from Lucas Schreiber, Hawks trailed by two at the first break. Charlie Jordan made his presence felt with composed control through the middle third as the Mavericks led 13-11.

Determined not to let Mavericks extend their lead, Hawks came out firing in the second quarter. Jordan led by example with intercepts and fast transition while Geoff Watts and Ray Atkinson tightened their defensive grip, forcing turnovers and shutting down the Mavericks’ second-phase play.

Aston Morris read the feeds well in the D and disrupted the shooters’ timing while impact changes saw Andy Phillips inject pace and vision into the attack. Guy Pearce brought added intensity as the teams were level at 24-24 at half-time.

Hawks surged ahead in the third quarter as Javi Marin Florido was clinical under the post. The defensive rotations paid off as Richard Taylor and Guy Pearce worked in tandem to close down Mavericks. Ray Atkinson led by example, commanding the circle as Hawks found their flow. Dani Marin Florido also joined the fray, applying pressure and smart decision-making across court. The Hawks stretched their lead to five by the end of the quarter, 34-39.

Halfway through the final quarter the scores were level and the pressure was mounting. Hawks responded with tactical changes as Aston Morris re-entered the game, offering back-up to Ray Atkinson in defence.

In the final five minutes, fresh legs and bold decisions shaped the closing moments. Phillips returned to the course and Dani Marin Florido took the reins at centre.

Hawks turned defence into offence with clinical speed, and with Brown and Javi Marin Florido converting under pressure, the scoreboard finally tipped in Hawks’ favour as they won by three goals.

HENLEY HAWKS defeated BEE’S SKY 33-30 in their second Berkshire Premier League summer season clash.

The opening minutes saw Hawks finding their rhythm with clever feeds into the circle from Sammy Johnston-Coff and Georgina Robertson, while Kate Tremayne played a good link role. Alice Brand was composed and accurate under the post, helping Hawks edge ahead.

Defensively, Lucy Sharman-Munday’s timing was good with Zoe Overall and Hannah Cornish combining to apply full-court pressure and force key turnovers as Hawks led 10-7 after the first quarter.

The second quarter saw a full defensive reshuffle as Emma Robinson, Katherine Parr and Alex Jacob took to the court. The trio stepped in seamlessly, maintaining the same intensity and structure and by half-time Hawks led 21-16.

The third quarter saw a creative shake-up but Bee’s Sky narrowed the gap to 26-23.

The final quarter saw Brand and Robinson return in the shooting circle as the Hawks held on to their three-goal lead to win the match.