RUGBY UNION: The numbers game (From The Oxford Times)

RUGBY UNION: The numbers game

7:44pm Saturday 28th January 2012 in Rugby By Ed Mezzetti

Henley Hawks’ promotion hopes suffered a blow with a home defeat. Here is the numbers' game. See Tuesday’s paper for full report.

Competition: National 2 South

Score: Henley Hawks 17, Shelford 21

Henley player ratings:

15. Tom Allen 7 (took his try well)

14. Christoph Bart 8 (STAR MAN, impressive all-round)

13. Danny Wells 6 (looked a little rusty)

12. Ali James 7 (powerful game)

11. Neil Baggett 7 (good first half)

10. James Comben 6 (erratic display)

9. James Gaunt 6 (some good, some bad)

1. Hugo Milford-Scott 6 (solid enough)

2. Ed Church 6 (better in the loose)

3. Jim Hadfield 6 (grabbed a try)

4. Peter Elder 6 (did his job)

5. James Winterbottom 6 (reliable effort)

6. Matt Payne 7 (determined game)

7. Andy Downing 6 (went off injured)

8. Will Woodward 7 (some good moments)

Replacements used:

16. Alec Hepburn 7 (added energy)

17. Alex Penny 7 (good impact)

18. Rupert Crossland 6 (played his part)

19. Xavier Andre 6 (didn’t see enough of the ball)

Referee: Nick Williams (RFU) – 5 (some confusing decisions)

Entertainment rating: 8.

Highlight: The pace and precision for Shelford’s first try.

Lowlight: Too many weak Henley tackles.

Form guide: Henley must hope this is a major blip if they are to have any hope of promotion.