Our 1XV went down fighting with defeat by the narrowest margin at Henley in a fiercely contested match that remained in the balance until the final moments but ultimately ending 30-29 to the hosts.

Welsh made the stronger start and controlled large periods of the opening half, building a 12–0 lead after 25 minutes. However, Henley stayed in the contest and gradually turned the pressure into points, with Scott White scoring twice alongside tries from Cornell Kinniburgh and Marcus Lowe.

London Welsh responded with tries from Thomas Marshall, Lailand Gordon, who crossed twice, and Buster Wilkins. The visitors created several further opportunities but were unable to convert enough of them, with a number of promising attacks breaking down at crucial moments. Two missed opportunities to find touch from penalties in the first half also proved costly.

Henley’s goal-kicking kept them within reach, and the home side showed considerable resilience throughout. With the scores finely balanced, Henley held their nerve to land a last-minute drop goal and claim a dramatic 30–29 victory.

There was disappointment for Welsh given the opportunities created and the amount of pressure applied during the game, but credit must also go to Henley for remaining competitive and capitalising when chances arose.

In a new award recognising our best player in an Away game, this week the innaugural 'Pixley's Ultras Player of the Match Award' went to Lailand Gordon for his brace of tries and all round contribution. Runner up was Welsh's no.8 Tom Marshall with Max Bodily a close third.

The result leaves London Welsh with two points from the contest, with the focus now turning to the week ahead and the next opportunity to respond.

Thank you to Henley Rugby Club for the welcome and hospitality. We’ll see you back in London in December!

FULL TIME: Henley RFC 30-29 London Welsh RFC