HENLEY Hawks director of rugby Jon Lambden believes they are well-placed for a promotion push despite losing to Esher.

Saturday's 20-5 defeat in National 2 was only Hawks' third reverse of the season and they remain just six points off second place.

Lambden said: "We always said our aim by Christmas was to be in the top four and push on from there. We are still on course for that.

"At the start of the season we lost against Launceston, which was a real 'keep your feet on the ground' moment. We went on a winning run after that.

"Hopefully the loss to Esher will have a similar effect on us."

One reason for Lambden's confidence is that Henley have been going through something of an injury crisis.

The Esher game saw winger Adam Slade added to the casualty list with an arm injury, but Hawks were still able to compete.

Lambden said: "We lost Chris Simmons beforehand and we were desperately trying to give Mitch Burton a rest because he has got an ankle problem.

"We had ear-marked Barry Reeves to come on at No 10, but had to change our plans with Sladey getting injured.

"We've got two centres, two wingers, two props and a hooker all out.

"We only had 18 fit players, so our coach Jerry Shedden had to come in on the bench.

"In two weeks' time we will have more men fit and should be fine."