Henley rise against Hawks

The game started with intense pace as Oxford pressured Henley’s defence leaving little time or space for Henley to attack. Henley’s forward line did well to keep the ball in Oxfords defence half. However, a lucky and quick break from Oxford allowed them to drive the ball into their attacking D and score the first goal to go 1-0 up.

This lead did not last as Henley’s fitness levels began to tire Oxford Hawks and Henley’s determination to show their class paid off for Henley. The yellow and blues defence stopped further Oxford attacks with Henley’s goal keeper and player of the match Hannah Lavish making multiple saves to prevent a further lead. Henley’s defence patiently played the ball out of the back and allowed Henley to make their first threat on the attack resulting in a penalty corner. The ball was slipped across the top of the D to Rachel Herbert allowing her to strike the ball into the net putting Henley back in the game.

Henley continued to pressure Oxford with Kat Green making several composed tackles in Oxfords attacking D denying them of further attempts to score. Patience and composure paid off against a frustrated Oxford Hawks. Henley’s Louisa England made an attack going past several Oxford players and netting the ball as the Hawks keeper was unable to respond to the challenge.

Henley worked hard as a team to keep their 2-1 lead for the remaining minutes of the game as Oxford desperately tried to defend their unbeaten streak. Despite several attempts to break Henley’s form Oxford were unsuccessful and Henley showed they are the team to watch in the league.