This week, Henley faced Oxford Hawks in their second league game of the season. Looking to get their first win on the board after a tricky game last week, Henley were determined to start quickly. Piling on the pressure right from the first whistle, Henley’s midfield and attack lead the charge. Pressing high, the home side were able to pin the Hawks defence back and win a couple of short corners. Despite getting shots on target, the Hawks defence stood firm, keeping the ball out of the net.

Henley’s break through came in the second quarter after Charlotte Hetherington charged down the Hawks transfer, causing the ball to bounce free and her stick to fly out of her hand. Lucy Wiseman pounced, picking up the ball and driving from the left, beating players and entering the top of the D, cunningly drawing the Hawks defence toward her. Instead of taking the shot, she threaded the ball through to Heatherington who, unmarked on the left post, slapped the ball home to give Henley the lead.

Oxford created their own pressure but the Henley defence, lead by young keeper Anjana Sothynathan were equal to the task. For a while, the game swung to and fro. During one attacking phase, Henley’s Emma Jean-Jean carried the ball into the circle only to be felled by a Hawks defender - a penalty stroke was awarded. Jean-Jean stepped forward, however her attempt to double the lead was thwarted when the ball ricocheted off the left post. This made for a tense final quarter for the spectators in particular, especially when Henley conceded a penalty corner on the final whistle. Thankfully for everyone associated with Henley, the defence was able to stand firm once again and with Hetherington clearing the ball, the final whistle able to sound. Three points in the bag for Henley sees the ladies off and running.