Hat-trick for Hughes as Hawks aim for higher

HENLEY prop Charlie Hughes claimed a hat-trick of tries as the Hawks continued their challenge at the top end of the table with a bonus-point victory over a spirited Barnes.

The Hawks started where they left off last week and scored after just four minutes, Hughes finishing off a move involving Ewan Fenley.

Barnes replied immediately and enjoyed good possession. Josh Hammett kicked a penalty before Ciaran Smyth crossed following a forward drive.

Once the Hawks got worthwhile possession, they were a constant threat and after a good run from Reuben Norville Hughes crashed over for his second.

Hughes then claimed his and Henley’s third try. The Hawks dominated a scrum and Hughes gave good support to Alex Bradley to touchdown.

The Hawks then scored the try of the game just before the break – Ben Bolster broke clear and his chip through was perfect for Jack Robinson to outpace the Barnes defence and score in the corner.

Henley then dominated the second half both in territory and possession. Will Bordill excelled for the Hawks but Barnes were a competent side and defended well.

The game was then engulfed by heavy rain before Sam Lunnon scored Hawks’s fifth try which Bolster also converted to produce a 34-10 lead.

With the ball now like a bar of soap and both sides making handling errors, Barnes, who never gave up, got some momentum and began to outplay the home side and scored two tries in the last ten minutes through Basil Strang and Jamie Collins.