RUGBY UNION: Henley slip up in title battle (From Bicester Advertiser)

RUGBY UNION: Henley slip up in title battle

10:30am Tuesday 29th January 2013 in Rugby

National 2 South

HENLEY Hawks’ title hopes suffered a blow with a 19-15 defeat at Launceston.

Hawks led 15-3 at the break, but could not hold on and are now six points behind leaders Worthing.

Centre Danny Wells, who scored all Henley’s points, put them ahead with a penalty – although the visitors passed up at least three more kicks at goal.

Wells’s first try made it 8-0 and his converted second came after Launceston No 8 Josh Lord and skipper Tom Rawlings had been sin-binned, hooker Liam Dwyer providing the scoring pass.

Full back Kieron Lewitt’s penalty got Launceston on the board and they came on strong as Henley, who had Martin Nutt yellow-carded, relaxed.

Lewitt slotted a second penalty with his side still down to 13.

Hawks felt wing Xavier Andre was denied a try due to a deliberate knock-on and they then had lock Josh McNally sin-binned for a dangerous tackle.

Lewitt slotted two more penalties and converted the decisive try from Lord as Launceston edged it.

Chinnor were unable to help Henley’s cause, falling to a 31-15 defeat at Worthing.

Kiba Richards put Worthing ahead with a try before Chinnor full back Henry Colver slotted a penalty.

James Redmayne bagged try No 2 for the hosts, Joe Govett converting.

Chinnor hit back again when No 8 Liam Gilbert was driven over from a lineout.

Alex Nielsen’s interception try and a score from Ben Dudley, Govett converting both, made it 26-8.

Chinnor scrum half Frank Jones gave them hope with a try after the break, converted by Colver, but Redmayne’s second try sealed the home win, although Richard was yellow-carded.