A last-minute penalty from James Comben earned Henley Hawks a 21-21 draw away to Hartpury College in National 2 South.

It was a pulsating finish to a game which saw the lead change hands no fewer than five times.

Two Comben penalties gave Hawks the early lead before the home side replied with a try from hooker Harry Collins, converted by Craig Jackson.

Hawks’ Matt Pattne touched down his ninth try of the season for a 13-7 lead, but Hartpury wing Paul Jarvis countered near the posts for Jackson to add the extra points and make it 14-13 at the break.

Hartpury’s driving ability in the mauls set up a second converted try for Collins, which sparked Hawks into action.

Rupert Crossland went over to reduce the arrears after a decisive thrust by Ali James, and Hawks had three of four opportunities to kick for goalbut elected to kick for touch.

With five minutes left, they switched tactics in a bid to secure at least a draw and the accurate Comben obliged from 30 metres to the left of the posts.

However, there was further drama when play was halted by referee Karl Kirkpatrick’s whistle which the Hawks players questioned amongst themselves.

Jackson sent the resultant penalty squarely between the posts.

It looked all over for Henley, but they quickly established an attacking position 30 metres from the College line, and in the resultant ruck, centre Seb Rodwell was penalised for not rolling away and yellow-carded.

Comben kept his cool to slot home the three points and secure a draw.