Henley Hawks’ run of 14 consecutive victories in National 2 Southcame to a shuddering halt when they were trounced 30-7 by mid-table hosts Worthing Raiders on Saturday.

The runaway leaders had no answer to the home side, who dominated every phase – particularly in the front row – after quashing an early attack from the Hawks.

Worthing took an early lead with a penalty goal from full back Mathew McLean.

It was from a secure scrum on the Hawks 22 that fly half Kieran Leeming put over a very precise cross-kick to the left corner which was gathered by centre Finlay Coxon-Smith to touch down to stretch the Raiders lead to 8-0.

  • Latest Sport news

Little was seen of the Hawks as an attacking force apart from a strong bursting run of some 35 metres by centre Fred Pierrpoint which ended with the Hawks' possession being turned over.

Scrum half Calum Waters, a constant thorn in the Hawks side with his thrusting runs, put Worthing out of reach in the first half with two sharp tries, both of which were converted by McLean to make it 22-0.

Hawks began to get some worthwhile possession, but promising breaks from prop Tom West and Oscar Hir-skyj-Douglas broke down through lack of support.

Indeed, Worthing stretched their lead with an easy penalty by McLean, who also squeezed over for a try in the left- hand corner.

Henley’s only score came when the ball was worked to James Comben in midfield on the Raiders 22 and he outflanked the Worthing cover to touch down behind the posts and convert the try.

Chinnor made hard work of beating lowly hosts Shelford 14-12.

The visitors avoided rueing their first-half profligacy and late indiscipline as they just survived a dogged comeback from the home side.

Chinnor’s first score appeared in the blink of an eye.

A quick-tap from a free-kick unleashed the backline, whose passing created the space for George Blewitt to race into the corner. Ed Keohane added the conversion.

What followed was a dour, error-strewn 30 minutes as Chinnor mounted attack after attack on Shelford’s line, but were perpetually denied by frantically obstinate defending.

Chinnor’s second try came when No 8 Alfie To’oala picked up from the base of a scrum, brushed aside one tackler and sauntered into the corner unchallenged.

Keohane’s conversion made it 14-0 at half-time.

Midway through a cagey second half, full back Tom Lucas scored a try to re-ignite Shelford’s challenge.

They continued the siege on their opponent’s line, s Chinnor were reduced to 14 after a professional foul.

And the extra men counted when Andy Scott scooted over untouched. Steve Smith’s conversion cut the deficit to two points.

Despite Chinnor’s reduction to 13 players, they held on for an edgy victory.

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.