Henley Hawks have revealed they are well short of their own financial targets with the last nine months showing a loss of £18,000.

The National 2 outfit believe other sides in the league are facing similar problems, but are appealing for members to help find a solution.

Writing in their latest newsletter, Henley president Doug Ash said: "For the nine months we are showing a loss of £18,000, which is well below our budget target.

"Though there are some timing differences, it is clear that at the year end we will fall well short of our target of making a small profit.

"In cash-flow terms, we have been operating uncomfortably close to our overdraft limit on too many occasions this year, and once the season ends this problem normally gets worse rather than better."

Ash and chairman Graham Horner are stepping down at the club's annual meeting on May 16, with Noel Armstead (president) and Phil Woodall and Martin Unsworth (chairman) proposed as their respective successors.

Meanwhile, Henley's efforts at promoting youth rugby have seen them awarded the RFU's clubmark.

Henley's mini and junior section satisfied the criteria required during a rigorous accreditation process.

These sections provide rugby for youngsters from seven to seventeen years of age every Sunday at Dry Leas with tournaments and matches at various clubs in the area, but stretching away as far as Bath.

Horner said: "We are thrilled that the junior and mini sections of the club have succeeded in gaining this award.

"It is a fine achievement and I would like to thank Rick Lindsey and Steve Rockell, who did so much of the ground work to satisfy the accreditation process under guidance from Martin Unsworth."

Henley's certificate will be presented by Oxfordshire's RFU representative Paul Murphy at the awards evening on May 1.