Hawks off to flyer to cruise to victory

HENLEY Hawks comfortably saw off struggling Barnstaple – scoring eight tries in the process at Dry Leas.

The Hawks were quick out of the blocks, putting the visitors under pressure with their speed and an intent to run the ball at every occasion.

Tom Emery crossed for Hawks after just two minutes, a try which Liam O’Neill converted. Further tries from Sam Portland and then Xavier Andre followed quickly following some strong Hawks running, particularly from Alan Alcock and Joe Butler. Barnstaple only reply was a penalty from scrum-half Joe Petherbridge.

Henley’s fourth came when Dave Hyde finished off some good interplay from the Hawks forwards. O’Neill converted to give the Hawks a 24-3 lead.

Before half-time Barnstaple scored three quick tries of their own from Toby Williamson and a William Topps double, leaving the score 24-22.

Harry Burn capped a strong performance when he poached a try. The Hawks extended their lead when Rob Bell crossed and then Marcus Lowe pinched a try as the visitors tried to run out of their own 22. The Hawks’ eighth try came from Emery.

Barnstaple never gave up and fully deserved their bonus point from Kevin Angel’s try.