Match Report: Henley 7 – 31 Old Albanian Saints 1XV
Sunday 14th September 2025
Dry Leas, Henley-on-Thames
Pictured: POTM Jodie Turl takes on five Henley defenders in her usual direct style

Old Albanian Saints began the defence of their Championship crown in commanding fashion, securing a 7–31 win away at Henley in tough, wet conditions.

The Saints started brightly, with Mica Gooding powering over for the first try, converted by Caz Collie. Lock Chloe Allcorn then stamped her authority on the game, scoring twice in quick succession, the second converted again by Collie before she was forced off with a head injury. New signing, Mererid Jones added another, this time converted by Ellie Cunningham, and Allcorn completed a superb first-half hat-trick to give Saints a commanding 0–31 half-time lead.

Henley struck back immediately after the break with a converted try, but Saints’ defensive organisation and set-piece power — particularly at scrum time — ensured the hosts could not add further points. Despite a yellow card for captain Charlotte Hamlyn Williams, Saints kept control of the match, with all seven replacements making an impact in the second half.

Following a fruitful off-season, Saints handed out seven debuts: Emily Peters, Nish Perera, Ellie Bonnett, Ellie Cunningham, Anna Birkett and Mererid Jones, with a senior debut for Jess Wood. The club also welcomed back May Goulding, fresh from representing Ireland U20s over the summer.

Hooker Jodie Turl (pictured) was named Player of the Match for her tireless performance both sides of the ball, at the heart of a dominant pack.

The win puts Saints third in the Championship South table as they look ahead to an away trip to London Irish next Sunday.

Saints 2XV will also get their Championship 2 campaign underway with a visit to league newcomers, Peterborough.

Final Score: Henley 7 – 31 Saints 1XV
Player of the Match: Jodie Turl