NATIONAL 1

HENLEY Hawks boosted their survival hopes with a 22-11 home victory over Loughborough Students.

The result means Hawks will stay up if they win at Tynedale in their final match on April 26 and deny their opponents a bonus point.

With Hull Ionians and Worthing already down, the third relegation spot is between Cinderford, Henley, Loughborough and Tynedale.

Alternatively, should Loughborough lose at home to Blaydon, then any Henley win would be enough to preserve their status.

Fly half Sam Katz’s fifth-minute penalty put Loughborough ahead.

Henley’s forwards were producing some of their best play of the season, illustrated by their opening try from flanker Ryan Newman.

Hawks’ second try on 28 minutes was straight from the training ground.

With some good ball from a scrum, fly half James Comben’s well-timed flat pass fed centre Danny Wells, who powered over near the posts for Comben to convert.

Loughborough reduced the arrears to 12-11, with No 8 George Messum powering over and full back Chris Surman adding a penalty.

Play was held up while Loughborough hooker Gareth Harris was stretchered off, while Messum and flanker Eoin Cremen were sin-binned.

Henley wing Christoph Bartsqueezed in at the corner for their third try, converted by Comben, who had earlier added a penalty.

Hawks, who had replacement prop Alex Penny sin-binned late on, could not manage a bonus-point try.