Henely 16, Richmond 16

HENLEY Hawks dealt Richmond’s National 2 South title hopes a blow with a battling draw at Dry Leas.

Having finished all square at Hartpury College last time out, Hawks earned a second successive two-pointer, despite having much the worse of the set-pieces.

Ultimately, a tight, committed clash came down Richmond full back Tom Platt missing his first kick of the match with eight minutes left.

Platt and Henley’s James Comben had otherwise been immaculate with the boot, while flankers Matt Payne and Ryan Newman also stood out for the hosts, who slipped to fifth.

Henley conceded a first-minute charge down to imposing lock George Merrick and Richmond were eventually able to work an overlap for wing Tom Chester to score on the left.

Platt converted from the touchline and his side kept pressing.

Hawks fly half Comben gave them momentum with a run out of defence and then slotted an 11th-minute penalty after Danny Wells had been blocked by opposite number Tom Gregory.

Hawks’ confidence grew, and some sustained pressure led to a great try as Wells ran intelligently before sending wing Simon Perry on a super line to dive over, Comben converting.

Richmond fly half Luke Cousins almost ran through on 27 minutes, but such was the tenacity of Henley’s defence that they not only stopped him, but also secured a penalty.

The visitors earned a scrummage penalty on 32 minutes and Platt made no mistake from 35 metres.

Wells and Newman combined usefully shortly afterwards, but a knock-on ended the chance.

Platt landed an almost identical penalty to make it 13-10 just before half-time.

Henley had struggled at set-pieces during the first half, so it was no surprise that Jim Hadfield and Ed Church replaced Alex Penny and Ant Brennan at the break.

Comben kicked his second penalty on 45 minutes, but Platt restored the visitors’ lead six minutes later.

Richmond wing Will Browne was unlucky to fumble the ball when a try looked likely on the left, although it remained a tight clash.

The kicking duel continued with Comben swerving a penalty between the sticks on 62 minutes.

Hadfield almost turned provider with a looped pass to Perry, but the ball dropped just short and Henley eventually knocked on.

The drama continued, with a barnstorming run from Richmond No 8 Chris Davies setting up another penalty chance, but Platt missed his first kick of the match.

Hawks finished strongly and went close with a catch-and-drive attempt.

Richmond had prop Tim Walford sin-binned in stoppage time, but Henley could not force victory and the visitors were content to kick a final penalty to touch, ending a great game on a slightly flat note.

Henley Hawks: Allen (capt), Perry, James, Wells, Baggett, Comben, Gaunt, Milford-Scott (Bigley 57), Brennan (Church 41), Penny (Hadfield 41), Winter-bottom, Crossland, Payne, Newman, Woodward. Reps not used: Emmett, Haynes.

Referee: P Davies (RFU).

Man-of-the-match: Payne.