National 2 South

HENLEY Hawks saw their promotion prospects improve with a 32-22 home defeat of Redruth.

With Old Albanians beating Hartpury College, there are now just three points separating Albanians in second and Henley in fifth.

Lock James Winterbottom was driven over for Hawks’ opening try on four minutes as they dominated.

Redruth hit back with a 19th-minute penalty from fly half Brett Rule, but Henley flanker Ryan Newman showed pace and deft feet to run in a try, converted by fly half James Comben.

Man-of-the-match, full back Tom Allen, set up a third try for speedster Christoph Bart with the first of three jinking runs.

Bart bagged a second try for Henley’s bonus point before half-time, but Redruth raised their game afterwards.

Visiting prop Darren Jacques cut the deficit with a try, converted by Rule.

Replacement full back Dean Bonds joined an attack to run in Redruth’s second and at 22-15, Hawks were under pressure.

But Comben picked up a loose ball to notch for Henley in the corner.

Henley tight-head prop Alex Penny popped up on the wing to score try No 6, while Jacques struck the final blow, with Rule converting.