Hawks swoop to grab late winner

■By ALISTAIR BEYNON

Henley…………………. 20

Bury St Ed’s…………. 17

A STIRRING second-half comeback from Henley Hawks saw them edge past a solid Bury St Edmunds side.

Bury looked far more clinical in the first half and took the lead when former Hawk Elliot Mc-Phun glided over after 12 minutes. Matt Riddington converted and the visitors deservedly had their noses in front.

Despite not having seen much possession, Henley soon levelled the scores when Guy Rawsthorn took advantage of an excellent Leo Webb break to cross the whitewash.

However, the lead was short lived as Alex Earnshaw capitalised on poor defence to dot down in the corner.

Henley looked far more assured after the break and an excellent solo score from George Wood put them into the lead at 14-12. However, this see-saw contest went back in favour of Bury after 47 minutes when hooker Fin McCartney powered over from close range. Crucially, Riddington couldn’t convert.

A Max Titchener penalty levelled the scores with 30 minutes to go and it was anyone’s game. The Hawks were excellent in defence, keeping out any Bury pressure and re-took the lead after 73 minutes with another well-struck Titchener penalty.