Allen urges side to ‘bring A game’ in battle to avoid drop

DIRECTOR of rugby Luke Allen said his side’s last-gasp win against Barnes has kept the wolf from the door as Henley Hawks aim to claw their way out of the National Division 2 East relegation zone.

In their last fixture of 2025, a Max Titchener penalty from a tight angle 35 metres out in the final minute of the game secured a 24-21 home win against Barnes and ensured the Hawks went into the new year just three points from safety with 12 matches of the season to go.

Speaking of the win that ended a five-match losing streak, Allen said: “There were tears of joy and relief. I was really pleased for Max, who has been playing in the second team in recent weeks, and for the whole team. I couldn’t look at the kick — I just waited to hear the roar from the crowd.”

The four points from the win ensured the Hawks remain in touching distance of safety. Allen said: “The win keeps the wolf from the door. We are chasing now and this gives us something to go for in the new year.” The Hawks have picked up six losing bonus points this season, the most in the league, having been on the wrong end of late scores and narrow defeats. Allen said: “We have allowed mistakes to happen at crucial times and have been making wrong key decisions.

“We have a young squad but have the ability and need to remain fully concentrated and not switch off when we get tired. We need to maintain fitness and treat every game as a cup game — it is mentally tough.

“I am confident going into the new year. We need to focus on the process, attacking structure and defensive protocols.”

The appointment of defensive coach Chris Cracknell last month has brought a calming influence to the side. Allen said: “The coaching unit is working hard, Chris has added a bit of calmness and doesn’t hold his punches, he says it how it is, and a fresh voice has done us good.”

Henley have turned to loan signings in recent weeks, the most recent being Morgan MacRae and Andrew Lamb joining from National Division 1 neighbours Rams.

Allen said: “The loans work on a week-by-week basis where we are able to have three loanees in the match-day squad at any one time. Rams head coach Seb Reynolds is happy we are looking after them.

“Seb has a strong talent pool at Rams and is in a position to loan players out to get playing time. We look after them and he is happy with the arrangement. We could get more players in but we are fortunate we have talent here. I need some quality to help boost what we have got.”

Henley’s next four matches will see them face sides that are all in the top five in the table.

The Hawks are next in action on January 9 when they travel to fifth place Canterbury where they will be looking for their first away win of the season. Allen said: “Canterbury is not an easy place to go. They are doing well this season. It’s about us doing our own stuff and bringing our A game, we have identified key areas and have to concentrate on our own game.

“Every team can beat everyone on their day, this season there is not a team running away with the league.”