What a start to the season!

The Hawks weighed in with a commanding performance held together with great team work and energy. Their first league tie was a ‘bye’ and there’s always the worry that a team will be on the back foot after others have a match in hand. This was most definitely not the case for the Hawks; from kick off they were out of the blocks on a mission to make the match their own – and kept that level of energy and determination to the final whistle.

Henley’s passing was fluid and accurate and the Summer holidays clearly hadn’t taken a toll on the Hawks’ fitness. The Hawks’ possession was enviable – around 70% for the match. After a number of forays deep into the Ascot defence, George Acock opened the Hawks’ goal account with an inspired run and great finish in the first half.

The defence was tight and served some great long balls to the waiting forwards. Mikey Dowling demonstrated a solid and motivational performance in the centre as Captain, with Louis Catlin moving to a slightly more forward role before providing support as Captain in the final quarter. Daniel Flowers moved to the right back position and proved his flexibility and ability to cover either side of the pitch with ease, demonstrating some great – and very fair – tackles. Our ‘regular’ backs provided support to Leo Schlaefli, Harry Graham and Lucas Wilson who all stepped up to the left back position – pulling off some game changing interventions. Schlaefli made a great saving tackle in the first half, avoiding an almost certain goal.

All the wingers were absolutely tireless – great running and tracking back to support when needed. Wilson has made LW his own and gave a masterclass in how to use the space on the left. Jessica Reed was similarly tireless in tracking back, on the break and showed massive determination in challenges.

Graham brilliantly consolidated the Hawks’ lead in the second half after an error by Ascot – the ball could not have come to anyone better and he netted a long and curving strike with the Graham power we all know and love.

At this stage the Hawks were flying with Jamie Halliwell making some incisive breaks into Ascot territory and demonstrating great awareness in positioning and passing. We’re still not sure what invisible force meant he didn’t net this match, but he was superbly instrumental in the drives forward. Ascot did manage to pull back a goal, but Henley were still the dominant team.

Ben Hemmings proved a great addition to the team – playing in goal for the whole match, he slotted very naturally and easily into the Hawks’ team – working well with his team mates and providing a safe set of hands and intelligent clearances when needed; a great debut.

The Hawks kept pressing forward with inspired passing and movement, they were rewarded with a penalty after a clear hand ball and Jenson Lea stepped up to take it. He remained cool under pressure and netted a clinical shot taking the Hawks to a comfortable 3-1 lead.

Ascot caught the Hawks on the hop after a break and long distance shot that no-one could have seen coming. With tails well and truly up, they then had a flurry of activity at the Hawks end with just 7 minutes to go. Respect to their team, they were going for it with renewed vigour – and then respect to the Hawks - after a few frenetic minutes, they regained composure and managed to quell the attacks and regain possession of the ball and control of the match.

Managers Julie Acock and Gilly Lea were very happy with the Hawks’ first game and the whole team could not have done more in terms of tireless work ethic and team work. The forward movement, passing, speed of reaction and remembering to turn and face / intercepting goal kicks were all outstanding. For constant effort up and down the pitch, great passing and the clinical penalty, Man of the Match this week went to Jenson Lea.