OXFORD Hawks climbed back to the top of South League Premier 2 after an astonishing 7-6 win at local rivals Henley.

Dave Cresswell converted a short corner to fire Hawks in front, but Henley drew level inside two minutes, and this scoring pattern was to be the template of the game.

Cresswell put Hawks back in front with another short corner, but Henley counter-attacked to level again and then went 3-2 up with a short corner of their own.

Nick Ferraby got Hawks’ third from another short corner after an excellent move down the left.

The second half looked as though it was going Hawks’ way as they eased two goals ahead through Cresswell and John Billingdon after good work from Ted Bennett and Freddie Coppin.

However, Henley would not lie down and every time Hawks thought they were comfortable, they hit back.

Coppin set up Cresswell for a simple tap-in for his fourth goal and Ferraby got his second, but Henley kept scrambling back to leave Hawks winners by the smallest margin.

Banbury won 3-1 at Brigh-ton in Premier Division 1.

Adrian Simons’ shot was touched in by Simon Boardman to open the scoring.

Brighton caught Banbury napping to equalise a minute into the second half.

But Australian Andy Phil-pott skilfully set up Will Powell in front of goal to slot home, and Matthew Bull converted a penalty corner for No 3.