Henley Hockey Club Women’s 1s were narrowly beaten 2–1 by Maidenhead Women’s 1s in a competitive and hard-fought encounter at the weekend.

Henley, playing in their amber and blue strip, made an encouraging start and took the lead within the opening 10 minutes thanks to some excellent team passing across the pitch. Their teamwork eventually allowed Maisie Robinson to find Caitlin Barrass on the wing, who drove forward with intent. Reaching the baseline, Caitlin delivered a composed pass across the circle to Ella Shute on the penalty spot, who slotted it past the keeper with a first time slap to give Henley a deserved 1–0 lead. Shortly after, a well worked penalty corner routine saw Rachel Herbert’s shot saved on the line, only to bounce out to Charlotte Hetherington on the post. Pulling the ball back away from the keeper, her reverse finish was denied by the umpire - stating obstruction of the goalkeeper, in a decision that proved to be important later in the game.

Maidenhead, dressed in white and fighting hard to avoid relegation, responded with increasing urgency. Their pressure paid off when they won a short corner, which they converted to level the score at 1–1 before halftime.

Maidenhead carried that momentum into the second half and struck early to take the lead at 2–1 after winning a short corner, putting Henley on the back foot for the first time. With their season on the line, Maidenhead showed determination and intensity, whilst Henley fought to regain control of the game. The amber and blues worked hard to win multiple short corners and opportunities to level the scoreline, however despite some creative routines by Rachel Herbert and Jane Dench at the top of the D, they sadly couldn’t materialise any goals.

Henley continued to battle and looked for a way back into the match, but Maidenhead’s defensive organisation and desire to secure vital points, along with the support of their ever growing and passionate crowd, proved decisive. Despite Henley’s efforts, they were unable to find an equaliser.

In the end, Maidenhead’s resilience saw them come from behind to claim a crucial 2–1 victory, while Henley were left to reflect on a strong start that sadly did not yield any points.