National 2 South

Henley Hawks managed a losing bonus point in a 20-13 defeat on Dings Crusaders’ muddy Lockleaze ground.

Hawks made an ominous start by losing the first scrum against the head, but neither side could make significant progress in the clinging mud in the first half-hour.

Henley fly half Will Fulton put them ahead with a penalty, but Dings soon hit back, with flanker Pierre Panizzutti stealing over on the blindside.

Full back Tom Lukjaniec converted and added a penalty before half-time.

Crusaders captain and former Henley player Stean Williams scored their second try from a five-metre line-out.

Hawks flanker Charlie Thompson was yellow-carded for handling in the ruck on 62 minutes, but they scored with a man down.

Fulton’s long, raking kick enabled wing Will Jones to outpace the defence and touch down for the former to convert and add a penalty.

Despite the return of Thompson, Hawks could not prevent No 8 Gavin Curry scoring Cruasders’ third try.