Henley Hawks president Noel Armstead says the club’s first season after ‘re-unification’ has been a success.

His comments come depite Hawks’ first team spending much of the season near the bottom of National 2 South.

But having merged with Henley Wanderers last summer to field four teams under the Hawks’ banner, Armstead believes there have been many positive signs.

Armstead said: “The 1st XV has comfortably maintained its place in National 2 South and with a good result in this week’s game could finish ninth, as they did last season.

“All the other sides achieved a remarkable coup by winning their league competitions with the third and fourth teams unbeaten.

“However, perhaps the accolade of most successful team should go to the women who, with a much re-vamped side, won their league, but unfortunately lost the promotion play-off to a strong Wasps side.”

Henley 2nd won Rugby Tech Shield Division 2, with Chinnor 2nd finishing runners-up.

Nineteen straight wins saw Henley 3rd win BB&O Division 1 South, while Henley 4th took the Thames Valley Invitation League Division A crown.

On the first team front, Armstead put a lot of Henley’s indifferent form earlier in the season down to an “incredible” injury list and the disturbance of a winter break.

He added: “With a settled side, the last eight matches have resulted in five victories and a return to fast flowing rugby producing 37 tries, at an average of over four a game.”

Armstead also pointed to Henley having the seventh best points difference in the league and a solid defence.

Saturday’s home game against Lydney will be the last under head coach Jason Forster, whose contract is not being renewed.

Ex-captain Steve Barnes will replace Forster, with Nigel Dudding as manager.

Armstead said: “Jason Forster moves on having brought his experience of the game and professionalism to good effect, given the limitation of resources.

“He has stabilised the Hawks as they spiralled downwards providing the base for future success. He goes with good wishes from all at Dry Leas.”

  • AN all-expenses trip to the 2011 World Cup is the star auction prize at Henley’s Sportsman’s Dinner tomorrow night.

The package, which includes tickets for both semis and final, is hoped to raise over £10,000 for Heads Up, the head and neck cancer research charity.