Henley Hawks produced their best form of the season to defeat leaders Manchester 25-16 at Dry Leas.

Manchester's reliable goal kicker Gareth Wynn gave them the lead with an 11th-minute penalty, but Henley took the fight to their opponents, with Barry Reeves orchestrating matters.

They took the lead when skipper Stean Williams flipped a pass over his head, allowing Felise Ah-Ling to race in for a try.

Wynn kicked a second penalty almost straight away.

Hawks centre Angelo Flammia, making his home debut, broke through from his own half to score a try, which could well be the best of the season.

Wing Danny Wells converted this and added a penalty for a 15-6 half-time lead.

Henley kept their flowing attacks going after the break, increasing their lead with Wells's second penalty.

Manchester reduced the arrears when full back Ben Coulbeck squeezed over in the corner, and Henley needed some excellent cover tackling from scrum half James Gaunt to stay ahead.

Hawks full back Nathan chipped ahead and set up Gaunt for their third try, which Wells converted.

Henley's defence held firm until late on when prop Andy Le Chevalier was sin-binned and Manchester used the advantage to send wing Andre Vilk over the line.