Henley president Noel Armstead feels his club were treated harshly in having two points deducted for a player registration error.
The National Clubs Association (NCA), which runs National 1 and 2, handed Henley Hawks the penalty after they fielded wing Dave Birtwhistle.
Despite Birtwhistle having signed a contract with Henley in June, an administration error meant he was not registered before he played.
Henley challenged the NCA’s original verdict, but this was upheld by an appeal panel despite its members sympathising with the club.
Armstead said: “The panel suggested that this was a heavy penalty when considering what happens at Premiership level.
“Clubs like Leicester had a one-point penalty and Saracens were just fined.
“It was a mistake, but I think there should be some flexibility.
“There was no way we were going to take it lying down.”
Picture: Ben Hoskins
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