Henley Hawks turned in their best display of the season to see off Launceston 31-7 at Dry Leas in National League 2.

The visitors, also known as the Cornish All Blacks, pipped Hawks by a point for the runners-up spot behind Esher, despite recording one less victory. The deciding issue was their ability to score tries and earn bonus points, three more than the Hawks.

However, in Saturday's cricket weather, it was the Hawks who played all the rugby, running in five tries. against a team who had not conceded one in their last three games.

The backs, led by Barry Reeves in sparkling form at fly half, ran the ball over the park.

Skipper Liam Wordley led from the front, diving over a ruck to score the opening try, which Mitch Burton converted from close to the touchline.

With Henley forwards Dave Archer and James Winterbottom in the sin-bin, Launceston levelled thanks to a try from Josh Lord, converted by Sam Young.

As soon as they were restored to full numbers, Hawks stepped on the gas, Stean Williams and Luke Burns going over for tries and Burton converting one for a 19-7 half-time lead.

At the start of the second half, Launceston mounted concerted attacks on Hawks, but they withstood the pressure and a fourth try by Chris Simmons, converted by Burton, put them in command again.

Henley continued to play expansive rugby, Wordley going over for his second try and 11th of the campaign to bring the curtain down on the season.