Norville bags hat-trick for classy Hawks

By ALISTAIR BEYNON

Henley Hawks…….48

Barnstaple………….. 17

HENLEY Hawks halted a three-match losing streak with a much-needed victory over Barnstaple.

In perfect conditions for running rugby, the Hawks opened the scoring in the first minute when winger Reuben Norville picked up the ball in his own half and went on a scintillating run that ended with him dotting down in the corner untouched.

Fly-half Will Panday doubled the score not long afterwards following sustained pressure in the Barnstaple 22 by the home side.

With the Hawks now scenting blood, further scores from George Amphlett, a second from the imperious Norville and one for the ever-present Sam Lunnon suggested that the home side were on their way to an emphatic win.

The visitors came out after the break with renewed purpose, however, and they were rewarded with their first score of the afternoon, with Arthur Marks powering over the line from close range.

The comeback was short-lived, however, as Norville completed an excellent hat-trick shortly afterwards and a further try from Panday cemented the victory for the home side.

To their credit, the visitors never gave in and two further short-range scores from Marks completed an impressive hattrick for the Barnstaple second-row.

However, it was Marcus Lowe who finished the scoring with a try for Henley that capped an excellent all-round performance from the home side.