National 2 South

HENLEY Hawks edged out promotion rivals Hartpury College 16-12 to all but seal a play-off spot.

Hawks’ away victory put them 11 points clear of third-placed Hartpury, with a maximum of 15 to play for.

Second-placed Henley trail leaders Worthing by eight points, but have a game in hand and host the Sussex side in their final match.

Fly half Will Robinson’s penalty put Henley ahead in a tight encounter.

Hartpury full back Craig Jackson replied in kind before replacement Luke Cozens’ drop goal put them ahead.

Robinson equalised with a penalty, but Jackson’s second penalty made it 9-6 at half-time.

Henley lelled via Robinson’s third penalty on 45 minutes after Hartpury lock Eliott Stooke was sin-binned.

The visitors struck decisively when scrum half Luke Carter sniped over. Robinson, whose chip kick had set up the chance, converted.

Jackson slotted a third penalty on 55 minutes, while Henley had seven drives at the line repelled.

Hawks No 8 Robbie Stapley was yellow-carded on 71 minutes, while flanker Matt Paynes stopped Jackson scoring with a superb late tackle.

Chinnor returned to winning ways after four successive defeats with a 33-12 home victory over Clifton.

Centre Sam Stoop crashed over for their opening try in the first minute, with fly half Will Millett, whose break had created the chance, converting.

Clifton responded well, fly half Bradley Barnes scoring and converting his own try on 19 minutes.

Wing Tom Gray sped over for Chinnor’s second from flanker Nick Harrison’s pass.

The highlight of the match saw No 8 Liam Gilbert finish an excellent move, with Gray again prominent, Millett converting for 19-7.

Chinnor sealed a bonus point with a penalty try on 45 minutes, Millett converting.

Wing William Pomphrey went over for Clifton, but Chinnor wrapped it up with a try from wing Leo Fielding, converted by scrum half Frank Jones.