LUKE Allen says only a bonus-point victory will do for Henley Hawks if they are to stay in the promotion race.

The south Oxfordshire side host Taunton Titans at Dry Leas on Sunday (2).

The visitors are just a point and a place better off than Hawks, who are fifth, in National League 2 South.

While most of the division are enjoying a free weekend, Henley play their game in hand after the initial fixture was postponed due to snow earlier this month.

Hawks would close the gap to second-placed Canterbury, who occupy the sole play-off spot, to four if they were to earn a bonus-point win.

And head coach Allen is under no illusions about the task in hand.

He said: “We’ve highlighted this as a crucial game.

"We need a five-point win to keep ourselves in the mix.

“Getting four points rather than five (in a 21-17 victory over Redruth) last week was a blow, but in the grand scheme of things a win was still great.”

Allen added: “This is huge.

“These are the games you train week in, week out for and put your body on the line for.”

Henley make three changes, as Brad Cook, Sam Lunnon and Marcus Lowe are handed starts.

Chinnor also play their game in hand at home to Rotherham Titans.

They will be looking to end a four-game winless run in National League 1.

THIS WEEKEND’S TEAM

Henley Hawks (v Taunton Titans, home): L O’Neill, Robinson, Andre, Barnes, Griffiths, Bolster, Webb, Primett, Cook, Manning, Hyde, Albon, Lunnon, Hall, Lowe. Reps: Clarke, Deacon, White, Goodison, Janes.

OTHER FIXTURES

TONIGHT

Oxfordshire Cup: Banbury v Bicester.

TOMORROW

BB&O Premier: Tadley v Oxford.

RFU Junior Vase – Southern Counties final: Lytchett Minster v Chipping Norton.