Henley Women’s 2s produced an outstanding performance at home to secure a convincing 3–0 victory over Buckingham 2s, who started the match sitting second in the league. For Henley, who went into the fixture at the bottom of the table, this was a huge result, lifting them up to 8th place in the league and providing a much-needed boost in confidence.

From the outset, Henley showed determination, teamwork and real intent, putting Buckingham under pressure and working hard across the pitch. Georgie Grocock was solid in goal, supported by a determined defensive unit of Rachel Herbert, Giorgio Fiorentino and Alyx Clarke. Sophie Miller and Charlotte Jean Jean provided energy on the right, while Sophy Rogers, Kirsten Botha, Tilly Alderton, Olivia Callaway and Bea Watts worked tirelessly through midfield to link the play and create attacking opportunities for Chloe Lyons, Hayley Munt, Amelie Bayfield and Harri Hayes.

The first goal came in dramatic fashion just as the half-time whistle was about to go. Henley won a penalty corner, and Chloe Lyons stepped up at the top of the circle to unleash a straight strike, finding the back of the net to give Henley a deserved 1–0 lead at half-time.

Henley wasted little time extending their advantage after the break. As the defence began to transfer the ball around the back, Herbert spotted an opportunity and played a well-executed long ball to forward Hayley Munt. Munt collected the ball and drove forward, beating her defender and playing a flat pass across the goal to where Amelie Bayfield had timed her lead perfectly at the far post. Bayfield stretched out her stick to guide the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net. A fantastic team goal put Henley firmly in control at 2–0.

Buckingham briefly thought they had found a way back into the match after taking a quick free hit outside Henley’s goal circle. With Henley’s players still reacting to the decision, the Buckingham attacker dribbled forward and lifted the ball past the Henley keeper - however, the goal was disallowed by the umpire, who ruled that the shot had been taken from outside the circle.

Henley continued to look dangerous, with another excellent passage of play leading to the third goal. Giorgio Fiorentino started things from the back with composed distribution, linking up with Sophie Rogers in midfield. Sophie released the ball to Hayley Munt who deflected it on to Chloe Lyons. Lyons then showed great skill to dribble past a couple of defenders before delivering a weighted pass to Amelie Bayfield at the top of the circle. Bayfield calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to claim her second goal of the match and take the score to 3–0 to Henley.

At the other end, Georgie Grocock was instrumental in keeping a clean sheet, producing several excellent saves and standing firm as Buckingham won a couple of short corners towards the end of the match. Henley’s defence remained organised and resolute, ensuring Buckingham were unable to find a breakthrough.

The final whistle confirmed a brilliant 3–0 win for Henley Women’s 2s. With goals from Chloe and Amelie, the team demonstrated clinical finishing, excellent link-up play and a strong defensive effort from front to back. A fantastic all-round team performance, and a huge three points against one of the league’s top sides! Henley will take plenty of confidence from this result as they look to build momentum and continue climbing the table.