Hawks put on best performance of season to sink Dean Dreamers

HENLEY HAWKS 1sts had the edge as they defeated REDBACKS 25-23 in their Maidenhead and District League Premier Division encounter.

Redbacks settled into the game quickly and took advantage of early opportunities. Hawks worked hard but struggled to convert their passages of play, allowing Redbacks to build a seven-goal cushion by the first break.

The Hawks found their rhythm in the shooting circle in the second quarter with composed finishing, while the defensive unit tightened up, giving Redbacks little room to move. Turnovers were capitalised on, momentum shifted, as Hawks steadily chipped away at the deficit. By half-time the Hawks had edged ahead by a single goal.

The third quarter saw Hawks continue to apply pressure. Sharp defensive work forced a series of wayward passes from Redbacks and Hawks showed discipline in converting these into goals. With confidence building, the lead stretched to five goals.

Redbacks came out firing in the final quarter and kept the pressure on, threatening to overturn Hawks’ lead in the closing stages.

Henley held strong, showing composure, teamwork and grit to control the final minutes and secure victory by two goals.

HENLEY HAWKS 2nds wrapped up the first half of their Division 1 season with a 29-27 victory against ECLIPSE.

Hawks took control early, settling quickly into their attacking flow and opening up a three-goal lead by the first break.

The second quarter saw both teams trading goals with neither able to disrupt the other’s centre pass. Hawks maintained their composure, keeping the game steady and ensuring Eclipse were unable to close the gap. A solid, controlled quarter meant Hawks extended their lead to four heading into half-time.

Eclipse came out sharper after the break, upping the intensity and capitalising on small errors to close the deficit. Hawks remained focused, but Eclipse’s momentum brought the scoreline back within two goals.

The last quarter delivered end-to-end play, with both teams matching each other goal for goal. Hawks dug deep defensively, shutting down key opportunities and holding strong under pressure.

Eclipse searched for the turnover they needed to tilt the match, but Hawks’ calm heads and smart decision-making saw them protect their narrow lead and secure a two goal win.

In Division 2, HENLEY HAWKS 3rds secured a bonus point despite going down to a 44-33 defeat against high-flying ANTS.

Ants settled quickly into their attacking rhythm. Their sharp shooting and fast centre-pass play saw them build an early eight-goal lead.

The second quarter continued in similar fashion. Ants’ shooters were clinical, punishing any defensive lapses and extending their advantage. Hawks kept battling, moving the ball well through court, but Ants’ accuracy under the post pushed the scoreline out to a 12-goal difference at half-time.

In the third quarter Hawks stepped up their defensive pressure and broke Ants’ early momentum as the two teams played end-to-end netball, matching each other goal for goal. It was a much stronger, more settled quarter from Hawks, who held the deficit and kept themselves well in the contest heading into the final period.

The final quarter mirrored the third, with both teams showing determination and consistency. Hawks continued to work tirelessly through court and maintained their improved structure, but Ants’ strong first half ultimately proved the difference. The win for Ants moved them to the top of the table on goal difference.

In Division 4, HENLEY HAWKS 4ths went down to a 36-16 defeat against PINK FLAMINGOS BLUSH.

Pink Flamingos Blush settled quickly and found their shooting rhythm early. Hawks worked tirelessly through court but struggled to break down Blush’s slick attacking combinations, finishing the opening quarter seven goals behind.

The second quarter saw Blush continue to dominate, capitalising on their accuracy under the post and moving the ball through all thirds. Hawks battled to disrupt their flow and created some good opportunities of their own, but Blush’s consistency allowed them to widen the gap to 11 by half-time.

Hawks came out after the break determined to stay in the contest, working hard defensively and linking well through mid-court. Although Blush maintained control of the scoreboard, Hawks showed resilience and commitment, making them work for every goal.

The final quarter followed the same pattern, with Hawks continuing to challenge but Blush proving too strong across the court.

In Division 3, HENLEY HAWKS 5ths put in their best performance of the season as they ran out 29-17 winners in their clash with third-placed DEAN DREAMERS.

Hawks opened the match with good energy, settling quickly in attack and moving the ball well through the court. Their composed finishing and solid defensive pressure earned them a four-goal advantage at the first break. The second quarter saw Hawks disrupt Dreamers effectively inside the shooting circle, forcing errors and limiting clean opportunities. At the other end, Hawks’ attackers remained calm and clinical, converting well and extending the lead to seven goals by half-time.

Hawks continued to build on their momentum in the second quarter as strong links through mid-court and relentless defensive work allowed them to stretch the margin even further. Dreamers fought hard to stay in touch, doing enough to keep themselves within bonus-point territory, but Hawks maintained control throughout.

Dreamers kept pushing to secure their bonus point but the Hawks took the honours by 12 goals.

HENLEY HAWKS 1sts crashed to a heavy 53-26 defeat against Berkshire League Premier Division league leaders LAUREL PARK.

Despite the tough test ahead, the Hawks showed grit, determination and good team spirit throughout all four quarters.

Hawks started strongly, matching Laurel Park goal for goal in the early stages. Defensive pressure from the circle kept the leaders working hard for every opportunity, while the attacking end moved the ball patiently to convert when it mattered. Laurel Park edged ahead 10-6 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw Laurel Park settle into their rhythm, using their depth and experience to increase the tempo. Hawks continued to battle, with strong drives through court and good defensive turnovers but Laurel Park extended their lead to 22-14 by half-time.

Hawks pushed hard in the third quarter as Laurel Park’s fresh legs and clinical finishing began to show as they moved 40-18 ahead. The final quarter saw Laurel Park extend their lead to 27 goals.