Henley Men’s 1st XI ran away 10-1 winners last weekend against local rivals Sonning, to remain top of South Central Premier League 2 with three games left to play of the 2025/26 season.

The game started slowly after a few team changes and a late draft in of super-sub Nick Catlin. However, 10 minutes into the first quarter and Henley had found their flow. Chris Green opened the scoring when a shot from captain, Ed Foster was poached by the ever-ready Green a yard off the line. Phil Laurie, with a return to scoring form, slotted in the second only 3 minutes later. Foster got himself on the sheet at the beginning of the second quarter for his first of the game, which was closely followed by a goal for Catlin - a superbly struck missile from the top of the D.

Henley’s play was dominant and Sonning struggled to deal with the pace and barrage of pressure created from all directions. Tim Herbert, whose darting runs and workmate have earned him a consistent first team spot, was on hand to secure the 5th, finishing Laurie’s reverse stick shot with a deft touch. Just as the halftime whistle was due to sound, Green popped up for his second - flicking the ball over the line and over the flailing Sonning defender.

After the break, Henley returned to where they had left off. The unrelenting pressure soon telling when Laurie was back on the scoresheet once again. Sonning rallied a little at this point and won a penalty corner, which was deflected over the Henley keeper - but sadly the comeback was short lived. Henley went straight back to the Sonning circle from the restart and Green finished calmly, sealing his hat-trick in this high scoring game. Captain Foz produced goal number 9 and two minutes from time, a team goal was finished in some style by Catlin. In a move that began at left back with Sam Heaver, the ball was threaded to midfielder, Harry Rechner, who turned and carried the ball through traffic to the halfway line. A sublime ball on the run saw Foz dive and reverse bunt the ball to Catlin in the circle, who’s diving slap rocketed past the flailing Sonning keeper to make it 10 and seal a dominant performance from the amber and blues.

Henley return to Jubilee Park this weekend against Milton Keynes Men’s 1st XI, where they will be hoping to keep the fine run of form going.