Busy weekend for ladies 1s

Facing a double-header weekend, Henley travelled to Eastcote on Saturday hoping to build on their strong performance from the previous week.

Henley started the first half with intensity, moving the ball quickly up the pitch. Skilful play from forward Kiera Holloran was rewarded with a penalty corner. The disguise pass from Kat Green to Louisa Engand saw the ball deflected high over the crossbar. The Eastcote forwards, stretching the Henley defence were managed well by fullback Green and Eastcote were unable to convert their chances. After the breakdown of a subsequent penalty corner and a good save from the Eastcote keeper, lightning fast reactions from Kat Green to convert saw Henley go into the second half 1-0 up.

After the break, Eastcote came out firing on all cylinders with a 10 minute spell Henley were unable to control. Henley conceded 2 goals in quick succession from open play. The powerful Georgie Metcalfe was able to equalise for the amber and blues, scooping the ball over the keepers outstretched pads enabling Henley to recover a point from match.

On Sunday, Henley travelled to Oxford for the 3rd round of the national cup competition hoping to improve on their league encounter 4 weeks before. Henley attacked up the pitch well, transferring the ball at pace but we’re unable to convert their chances. Oxford’s Dutch danger player was identified and kept at bay until she was able to step away from her defender to open the scoreline 15 minutes into the first half. A penalty corner for Oxford, deemed to have finished by the umpires saw a head-height shot be allowed and a second goal awarded. Henley responded, winning a penalty corner which the ever reliable Kat Green disguise, Louisa England deflection routine proved successful, leaving Henley 1 goal down at half time.

A rousing team talk sent Henley into the second half with purpose and drive. Wing backs Kath Draycott and Rachel Herbert attacked up the pitch, creating chances which Henley were unlucky not to convert. Oxford created space behind the Henley defensive line and were able to score 2 more, leaving the final scoreline 4-1 to Oxford.