NATIONAL 2 SOUTH

CHINNOR battled back from 22-5 down to defeat the Cornish All Blacks 26-22 in Launceston.

The visitors trailed by 17 points at half-time, but took the spoils late on thanks to centre Jack Hayes’s try and fly half Ed Keohane’s penalty.

Chinnor were outgunned in the first half and the All Blacks’ forward power led to a try from hooker Jamie Salter on four minutes, converted by full back Matt Shepherd.

The hosts took advantage after Chinnor full back Martin Nutt was sin-binned for stamping, with lock Ben Hilton powering over for try No 2. Prop Guido Cambareri replied with his first try in Chinnor colours.

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But Shepherd slotted a penalty and converted Hilton’s second score to put the hosts in control.

Keohane started Chinnor’s comeback with a 48th-minute try, which he also converted.

Shepherd missed a penalty for Launceston, but Keohane slotted one to make it 22-15.

He reduced the arrears further with a second penalty.

Hayes’s try put Chinnor ahead, with Keohane extending the lead, while Launceston could not capitalise on two late penalties.

Leaders Henley Hawks made it seven wins from seven with a 20-7 victory at Clifton.

Hawks defended well throughout, while fly half Will Robinson starred with a 15-point haul.

Robinson dummied his way through for an excellent opening try on 14 minutes, which he also converted.

New signing, Llanelli Scarlets Academy wing Jake Randall, was stopped just short, but prop Dave Manning supported well to score try No 2, Robinson converting.

Clifton raised their game in the second half and were rewarded when wing Lucas Slowik went over for a try, converted by fly half James Mackay.

Robinson made it 17-7 with a penalty before Hawks No 8 Robbie Stapley was yellow-carded for preventing the release of a ball in a ruck.

However, Henley finished strongly, with centre Ed Yarnton and replacement Dan Barnes prominent and Robinson slotted a second penalty.

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