NATIONAL 1

HENLEY Hawks’ 18-10 home defeat to Coventry saw them slip to within three points of the relegation zone.

Hawks’ fifth straight loss came courtesy of Coventry full back Cliffie Hodgson, who punished their indiscipline with six penalties.

Henley, who started slowly, had ex-Coventry prop Dai Maddocks sin-binned on 22 minutes for repeated team offences.

Hodgson had put the visitors 6-0 up and slotted a third penalty following Maddocks’s infringement.

Coventry lock Dan Wright was yellow-carded for obstruction before Henley wing Liam O’Neill scored, fly half James Comben converting.

Hawks took control of the scrums after half-time, with Hodgson and Comben trading penalties for 12-10.

Henley were denied a losing bonus point in a torrid last four minutes.

They conceded two close-range penalties, which Hodgson kicked, the first after lock Liam Dwyer was given a yellow card.