NATIONAL 1

HENLEY Hawks had to be content with a 34-34 draw at Cinderford, despite leading 29-10 at half-time.

Cinderford came back so strongly that they led 34-29 and Hawks needed a try from No 8 Robbie Stapley to level.

Even then, fly half James Comben’s potentially match-winning conversion hit a post.

Comben kicked Henley ahead with a penalty and converted their opening try from former Cinderford scrum half Luke Carter after a blindside break.

Home scrum half Dan Pointon replied with an almost identical score.

Henley’s debutant wing Jaryd Robinson showed great skill to score in the corner, with Comben’s conversion hitting a post.

Home fly half Michael Wilcox bagged the first of a try double.

A 20-metre driving maul saw Hawks loose-head prop Hugo Milford-Scott go over.

Comben converted this and try No 4 from flanker Ryan Long, who supported well after Comben’s interception and 75-metre run.

A fired-up Cinderford scored three converted tries in the space of 15 second-half minutes.

Wing Chris Hawks, Wilcox and flanker George Mills touched down, with Wilcox adding the extras.

Wilcox’s penalty made it 34-29 on 64 minutes.

However, Henley ensured they left the Forest of Dean with a draw by driving Stapley over.