Hawks' dreams shattered as they crash out of the cup

The Hawks travelled to Sandhurst Memorial Park for their cup fixture against Sandhurst Town Boys and Girls Reds. They’d progressed brilliantly in the cup and - as the only Division 7 squad left in the competition - were hoping for a giant killing game against a team flying high in Division 5.

Henley started brightly demonstrating some fluid passing with Lucas Wilson using his speed on the left wing and Daniel Flowers putting in some solid tackles to supply the Henley attack. Around three minutes in, Max Messias was forced to make his first save of the day and made a good clearance. Louis Catlin and Michael Dowling were similarly solid in defence with Michael Dowling making a great run to clear a dangerous ball up field as the Reds were pressing.

The Hawks caught a break and Harry Graham found himself with the ball in the Reds’ half, he made a great run on goal and was one on one with the keeper - he took a shot that went inches over the crossbar - much to the relief of the Reds’ keeper.

The Reds countered strongly and at 8 minutes they went 1-0 up. The Hawks continued to press and were rewarded with a corner at 13 minutes, which the Reds’ defence managed to clear. There was pressure from both sides and Max Messias put in an impressive save at 21 minutes. Seconds later he was forced to make another great block - this time it rebounded into the box and was put away by a Reds’ striker making it 2-0.

The Hawks were defending hard but also had their breaks and were very much still in the match as the half time whistle blew. This started the second half in the same spirit with a shot from Harry Graham in the first minute that went just wide. Play was going both ways and the Henley defence was tested time and time again, but they were steadfast and it was not until half way through the second half that the Reds managed to put in no.3.

Seconds later Michael Dowling made a strong tackle in the Hawks’ half and took the ball with him as he saw the opportunity for a break. He left several Reds’ players in his wake with a series of strong tackles and in an inspired run he progressed to the edge of their box. The defence was piling in on him and he saw the opportunity to pass to George Acock who’d made a timely run up from the right wing. George Acock put it in the back of the net for the Hawks making it 3-1.

Minutes later, with just over 10 minutes to go, the Reds scored again making it 4-1; the Hawks heads started to drop and unfortunately the final 10 minutes saw them lose heart and motivation and the shots piled in from the Reds - with a final score of 9-1. Still during this time, we witnessed moments of individual brilliance - Man of the Match Leo Schaefli never gave up the fight and made some determined runs up the right - his work ethic was faultless and drew admiring comments from the ref. Harry Graham (also Man of the Match) and Jenson Lea were still fighting for a goal minutes from the final whistle with a back pass from the kick off by Jenson Lea to Harry Graham for a great long ball back up to Jenson Lea who’d made a break up field. The score line was no reflection on keeper Max Messias, who’s series of saves ensured the score line didn’t hit double figures.

For three quarters of the match Henley were real contenders but, after a great cup run, the Hawks will not be progressing through to the quarter finals this year.

Photo: Men of the Match Leo Schlaefli (left) and Harry Graham (right)