A DEPLETED North East Worcestershire Ravens outfit were comprehensively beaten by Midlands Premier champions Northampton Demons 78-20.
With several players missing due to illness and work commitments, the Ravens drafted in four loan players and conceded the first try after eight minutes before taking a 8-6 lead following two tries in three minutes.
Ravens held on to their lead for 26 minutes when the Demons used their power and strength to race into a comfortable 38-8 lead going into the break.
The second half was a repeat of the first with the Demons scoring first before Ravens reduced the deficit ten minutes later.
However, in the 64th minute, Ravens saw their squad numbers reduced from 13 to 12 and then due to injuries
Ravens were well beaten by this point but this did not dampen their spirits as Liam Dunne scored in the 73rd minute with a try between the posts before David Wimbury converted.
Sunday was a more successful day for the Ravens as more than 60 juniors enjoyed a training session at Hopwood Park.
The under-13s hosted Telford Raiders in the Midlands Merit League followed by the under-14s and the Ravens first team players take on the Halcyons Masters team in a touch rugby game.
Next week sees the first team away from action with Hopwood Park hosting the first Midlands Development Day with registration starting at 10.30am for the 11am to 1pm session.
The day’s activities include skills training from Midland development coaches and age group games.
There is also free open access to school years three to ten and is open to any new players who can register on the day.
For further information on the Ravens’ fixtures, visit www.newravensrl.co.uk.
