Hall comes up trumps as Hawks march on
HENLEY Hawks continued their winning run with a hardfought win over a resilient Redruth at Dry Leas.
It was not the Hawks’ best performance but credit must go to Redruth who kept going throughout and defended stoutly throughout. Indeed if their lineout had functioned well, the result may have been different.
Henley Hawks head coach Luke Allen was happy that his side had continued their winning run. He said: “We’re a little frustrated but happy to win. We knew it would be hard because of the brand of rugby Redruth bring but it was a good game of rugby. We’re pleased with the first half, scoring 21 points but disappointed to have a left a bonus point out there.”
The first half belonged to the Hawks as they took the game to the Cornishmen who seemed to take time getting the journey out of their system.
Henley started well, quickly getting into the Redruth 22 but the visitors scored first when Redruth winger Matt Bowden intercepted a Hawks attack and ran the length of the field to score.
The Hawks forwards were in control however with Tom Hall, Alex Bradley and Liam Goodison all leading some good drives.
A good break from Dan Barnes put Henley in a good position and Leo Webb was caught just short of the line. The Hawks won a penalty, kicked for the corner and from the lineout, Hall crashed over for the first Hawks try which Ben Bolster converted.
Drives from Jake Albon and Dave Manning set up an attack and Bradley ran a great line to cut through and score unopposed under
the posts. Bolster’s conversion put the Hawks 14-5 in front.
There was a good reply from Redruth who ventured into the Henley half for the first real attack. Full-back Tom Notman made ground from a backs move which put the visiting forwards in position. After a series of drives Todd Prisk scored the visitors’ second try.
The Hawks replied immediately. Full-back Liam O’Neill picked up a loose kick in his own half and broke through, well supported by Albon. Good passing from Bolster and George Griffiths put Xav Andre clear and he beat some weak tackles to score. Bolster again converted to give the Hawks a 21-10 lead at the break.
It looked as if Henley might pull away in the second half but Redruth had other ideas, Richard Brown crashing over for the only try, converted by Aaron Simmonds.
Redruth director of rugby Nigel Hambly was pleased with his side’s efforts. He said “We won the second half 7-0. We are building well for the future and coped well with Henley’s intensity. We missed a few tackles in the first half and it’s never good to lose but there are plenty of positives for us.”