National League Division 2 In conditions totally unsuited to their free-running style of play, Henley slogged it out to record a 17-3 win over Newbury at a far from Dry Leas on Saturday!

The Hawks should have established a big lead in the first 20 minutes, for they had copious possession yet proceeded to overturn it through slipshod handling and over-elaboration in midfield.

Barry Reeves's eighth-minute penalty goal was all they had to show for their superiority before scoring a try in the 31st minute.

Left wing Pete Davies ran in from 40 metres after being put clear by centre Russell Osman. Reeves converted to make it 10-0 at half-time.

Roberts kicked a penalty for Newbury, before a second try in the 51st minute sealed the result for the league leaders.

Flanker Jeff Atkinson won a line-out five metres from the Newbury line, and James Winterbottom forced his way over. Reeves converted with another booming kick from wide out.

Newbury laid siege to the Hawks line in the last quarter of the match, but could not break through their determined defence.