National League 1: Lowly Henley made high-riding Plymouth Albion sweat before securing an 18-7 victory at Dry Leas - the Hawks' ninth defeat in ten matches.

In front of the smallest crowd for years, the game quickly became a battle between the forwards, where Henley were able to drive the renowned Albion pack back several metres on occasions.

However, it was the Devon side who turned their pressure into points when lock Andy Perry was driven over. Fly half James Pritchard missed the conversion, but landed a penalty before half-time.

The Hawks' defence, with the back row of Steve Green, Jeff Atkinson and Adam Holloway to the fore, produced some sterling work, but when the home side won possession, they gave the ball away too frequently.

Albion went further ahead when a period of pressure on the Henley line led to a try from prop Alton Ozdemir.

Hawks replied when a clearance kick was charged down and centre Mike Tamati was on hand to force his way over. Barry Reeves converted to make it 13-7.

However, Henley's hopes of victory were undone by a moment's hesitation which allowed former Hawks player Jon Fabian to run 30 metres across the field and send Pritchard over in the corner for the clinching try.