HENLEY’S winless start to the calender year continued as they suffered a 38-16 defeat at home to Ampthill & District.

Max Wilkins opened the scoring for the visitors in the National League 1 clash, with James Pritchard adding the extras.

But Hawks cut their lead to two points when Rob Bell forced his way over.

A Basil Strang penalty put Hawks 8-7 ahead, but Ampthill were not behind for long as Matt Burke touched down and Pritchard converted.

Strang replied with a three-pointer to keep Henley in touch at 14-11.

Ampthill stretched their advantage when Pritchard converted a try from Ralph Adams-Hale and despite Jake Randall’s reply for Hawks, the visitors took control.

Dave Manning was sent to the bin and Ampthill took over with Sid Blackmore (2) and Gavin Williams crossing.

In National League 2 South, Chinnor lost 36-8 at high-flying Bishop’s Stortford.

Hamish Irving’s try, converted by Oxford University fly half George Cullen, got the hosts up and running, before Baxter Wilson crossed to make it 12-0.

Cullen converted his own try, before his Dark Blues captain George Messum dived over for Chinnor.

Fly half Bertie Hopkin was unable to add the extras.

Cullen slotted a penalty as Stortford led 22-5 at half-time.

Hopkin kicked a three-pointer, but the hosts regained control.

A penalty try, converted by Cullen, was followed by Pier Dotta’s effort.

He added the extras to end the match.