Hawks hit peak form to topple the leaders

By NICK PITSON

Henley…………….. 43

Worthing………….26

HENLEY Hawks scored six tries to topple league leaders Worthing in a pulsating and open game at Dry Leas.

The Hawks were excellent for the first half an hour, not giving the visitors chance to settle and building a 21-0 lead.

Hawks centre Guy Rawsthorn broke clear to score after only two minutes and then, shortly afterwards, good work from Norville and Bradley put scrum-half Will Crow over for a try. Cail Cookland converted both.

The Hawks then scored their third try when an excellent break from George Wood put Tom Emery over.

Worthing began to get back in the game and show why they have been the team to beat this season. They scored two quick tries from prop Ken Dowding and hooker Henry Birch, both converted by Matt McLean.

Henley responded when Cookland finished off some good work from Tom Hall and George Wood to give the Hawks a 26-14 lead at the break.

Worthing started the second half with renewed purpose and scored two tries, through wing Levi Davis and John Lee, the second converted. At 26- 26, it was anyone’s game, but Hawks went ahead when Emery crossed from a driving maul.

Despite some trouble at the set-piece and some wayward kicking, Hawks defended well, before Cookland eased their nerves with a penalty.

In the final minutes, Reuben Norville scored from a superb chip and chase from halfway and Cookland converted.