Canterbury ended their four-game winless streak in National 2 South with a 30-25 win over in-form Henley Hawks at Merton Lane on Saturday.

The hosts produced a fine performance in the first half but had to hold on at the end to secure just their second win in eight games against third-placed Hawks.

Mike Melford's try set Canterbury on their way inside a minute before setting up Andy Pratt, pictured, for a second score.

Tom Best kicked a penalty and Peter Kelly's catch and drive ensured his 10th try of the season, though the visitors notched a penalty and scored a classy try to put eight points of their own on the board.

Matt Sheen grabbed Canterbury's fourth try before the visitors lost a lock to the sin-bin and Kelly grabbed his second to secure a bonus point before half-time.

The 30-8 lead at the break only just proved enough as some slack defending and dominant play from the visitors allowed them to pull back three second-half scores, though they were unable to find an equalising try at the death.

Picture: Jason Dodd