Champagne rugby returned to Dry Leas when the largest crowd of the season saw Henley Hawks backs score four sparkling tries in their 32-24 victory over Exeter Chiefs.

The Hawks made an electric start, scoring two tries in the first eight minutes through centre Trevor Walsh, following Tom Holloway's superb run, and scrum half Ben Ayres. Both were converted by Matt Jones.

Ayres enjoyed a superb game, being involved in the same passing movement three times immediately prior to the Hawks third try of the half scored by Duncan Roke.

This put Hawks 24-7 ahead at the break after Jones added a third conversion to his previous penalty goal.

Exeter's try came from flanker Blair Foote, converted by the unusually wayward Sam Howard, who added a penalty as the visitors dominated the early stages of the second half.

The Hawks riposte was swift as Roke came into the line for Ricardo Van Zyl to squeeze over in the corner.

Exeter then mounted a further seige and hooker Keith Brooking and outstanding No 8 Andy Beattie both crashed over for tries, which Howard converted.

The last quarter saw the Hawks force them back and Jones sealed their fate with a penalty with ten minutes to go.