Henley Hawks dug in for an excellent 32-8 victory at Manchester that saw them return to second spot.

Promotion rivals Launceston dropped to third after losing at leaders Esher, but the league is still too tight to call.

Henley fly half Mitch Burton slotted a third-minute penalty, but it took them 23 minutes to score their first try.

Prop Andy Le Chevalier capitalised on a dummy run by skipper Liam Wordley to power over from ten metres out and Burton converted.

Manchester had flanker Stuart Eboral sin-binned for a ruck offence as they defended desperately.

Henley took advantage of having an extra man when scrum half and man-of-the-match James Gaunt dived through a gap to score try No 2.

Burton's conversion made it 17-0 at half-time, and they bagged try No 3 soon after the break.

Rob Hurrell's lineout catch enabled fellow lock James Winterbottom to be driven over.

Scott Rawlings kicked a penalty for Manchester, and Hawks saw flanker Matt Payne sin-binned.

Henley secured a bonus point with a fourth score when Jim Frandon, Dave Tibbott and Luke Burns combined to set up a try for Barry Reeves.

Full back Ben Coulbeck ran in a consolation try for Manchester on 75 minutes before Burton's penalty completed the scoring.

Hawks are still on target to win their remaining seven matches with a bonus point - a target set by rugby director Jon Lambden.

This is not just due to their playing ability and awesome defence, but because of a great team spirit.