They seemed well on their way at half-time to a comfortable win after establishing an 18-6 lead.
But Ulverston dug deep to make a game of it and each team scored 18 points in the second half to leave the West Cumbrians victors by 36-24.
The Hensingham tries were scored by Jake Bradley (2), Steven Smith, Daniel Smith, Jordan Thompson and Liam Martin. There were six goals for Steven Smith.
In reply the Ulverston tries came from Howard Robley, Liam Winfield, Marc Storey and Joel Smith. Connor Saunders kicked four goals.
Glasson Rangers’ recent slump continued in the Maryport derby where they lost 49-18 at home to local rivals Ellenborough.
They had still been just in the contest at half-time, trailing 24-12 but Elbra pulled away in the second half.
Luke Jackson, Andrew Patterson and Jonathon Cameron scored the Glasson tries with three goals from Craig Foster.
In reply, Ellenborough’s tries came from Phil Flavell (2), Jordan Ostle, Kevin Hoban, Rhys Burr, Liam Wilson, Shane Ackerley and Kai Gilhespy.
Michael Hill kicked eight goals and also put over a drop goal.
The game between Seaton and champions Distington was postponed because Seaton could not raise a team.
In Iggesund Cumberland ARL, Cockermouth Titans are back on top after they won 42-18 at Flimby.
They had led 24-12 at half-time but were able to dominate the second period and win comfortably.
Grant Underwood (2) and Connor Wilson scored the Flimby tries with Darren Pape landing three goals.
For Cockermouth there were tries by Gareth Skillen (2), Lee Burns (2), Jack Clark, Jonathon Goulding and Peter Wood.
Jack Clark supplied seven goals.
Before the weekend Aspatria Hornets had shared the lead with Cockermouth and Egremont A.
But they slipped from the summit after losing a thriller at Kells A 32-28.
Aspatria had their noses narrowly in front at half-time, leading 18-16 but Kells did enough in the second half to edge the victory.
Troy Armstrong, who has returned to Kells after signing for Whitehaven during the winter, led the way with a couple of tries.
He was followed over the Aspatria line by Ben Sparks, Cameron Seeds, Owen Martin and Barry Boyd. Jake Parker put over four conversions.
Aspatria scored five tries through Darryl Creighton (2), Gary Armstrong, Jack Clegg and Mark Irwin. Luke Johnston kicked four goals.
Egremont A lost their chance of staying joint-top when their game with Lowca was called off because there was no referee.
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