National 2 South

Henley Hawks fought back to earn two bonus points in a 30-25 defeat at Canterbury.

Hawks trailed 30-8 at half-time, but still had chances to win it in the final quarter.

Canterbury centre Mike Melford capitalised on a fumble from Hawks full back James Comben to score their opening try after just one minute, fly half Tom Best converting.

Henley wing Christoph Bart looked to be impeded as he chased a kick ahead, but the hosts were rampant and Best’s grubber kick created a try for right wing Andy Pratt.

Comben and Best exchanged penalties before Canterbury flanker Peter Kelly poached their third try.

Henley centre Danny Wells ran in a superb solo effort from 45 metres.

But tries from wing Matt Sheen and Kelly, the latter while Hawks lock Tom Stradwick was sin-binned, made it 30-8 at the break.

It was a different story in the second half, with prop Rowan Fuller driving over to start the comeback on 46 minutes.

Ten minutes later, replacement scrum half Mickey Molloy nipped in for a try on his debut, which Comben converted.

Lock Dave Clements crashed over for Henley’s fourth try on 65 minutes, but a lack of composure stopped them creating a match-winning score.