NATIONAL 1

CHRISTOPH Bart’s hat-trick of tries helped Henley Hawks enhance their survival hopes with a 52-22 demolition of Wharfedale.

Hosts Hawks scored eight tries in a dominant display and are now back within touching distance of their relegation rivals.

Fly half James Comben kicked Henley ahead with a penalty before flanker Matt Payne and centre Danny Wells bagged tries.

Visiting fly half Tom Barrett replied with a penalty, but wing Bart went over twice in quick succession.

Comben converted the latter and a try from scrum half Ollie Frost, on-loan from London Welsh, while man-of-the-match Bart completed his treble for a 37-3 half-time lead.

Although No 8 Robbie Stapley finished off a driving maul for Henley, Wharfedale replied with tries from prop Jake Armstrong, replacement Nick Taylor and wing Scott Jordan, Barrett converting two.

Hawks had lock Dave Clements in the sin-bin at this point, but finished strongly, with Wells slotting a penalty and converting the final try from captain Ryan Newman.