HENLEY Hawks director of rugby Mike Poulson heaped praise on his side after they emphatically clinched the National 2 South title at Dry Leas, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

Hawks thrashed title rivals Worthing Raiders 55-27 in their final match of the season, sparking wild celebrations at full time.

“We’re absolutely delighted,” said Poulson. “Delighted with the win, delighted with the performance.

“I did expect it to be a closer match, but both teams play really fast, open rugby and if one team gets on top that can happen.”

Henley have been as high as English rugby’s second tier – from which they were relegated in 2005.

And Poulson believes that despite a five-year absence from National League 1, his side have nothing to fear next season at a higher level.

He added: “I think we'll be okay.

“There are a few things we need to add to the squad, but we’ve been thinking about going up for months now, so it hasn’t come as a shock to us.

“It’s been a long season and when things are down, it’s that team spirit which really comes through.

“To win promotion you need to get to a point where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and I think that’s the key.”

  • WORTHING can join Henley Hawks in National 1 next season if they win at National 2 North runners-up Stourbridge in Saturday’s play-off.