Harry Houdini could not have pulled off a better last-minute escape act than Henley in their 18-18 draw against Birmingham/Solihull at Dry Leas.

With four minutes of injury time already played and trailing 18-15, the Hawks ran the ball in desperation to score the winning try, resulting in Nick Buoy being stunned by a crunching cover tackle.

This produced a penalty, but Buoy, who had kicked five penalties out of six attempts to keep his side in the game, was being attended to urgently by medical staff.

Matt Jones, acting skipper, who had not attempted a place kick throughout the afternoon, then coolly sent the ball sailing between the uprights to ensure a share of the spoils the second draw between these clubs this season.

Birmingham scored the only two tries of the game, the first coming after Hawks had twice shunned penalty goal attempts in front of the visitors' posts.

Play transferred to the other end and No 8 Mike Brookes forced his way over the Hawks' line for Jon Smart to add the conversion.

Henley led 12-7 at half-time, but they conceded a second try to Birmingham's replacement prop Chris Budgen which levelled the scores.

After Buoy's fifth penalty for Henley, who were well served by Oxford Blues Werner Van Pittius and Jason Hendriksz, the Midlanders introduced Steve Gough, their principal goalkicker, and he put them ahead with two penalties.

Henley looked beaten, but then up stepped Jones to save the day.