A beautifully sunny autumnal Sunday morning saw the under 11 Ravens take on their neighbours, the Kingswood Knights, in two hugely competitive matches.
You could tell the home team were right up for their first game of the season. Direct from the kick off the Ravens broke through the Kingswood defensive line. Several strong carries later, and quick ball from the breakdown, lead to the Ravens first try. Three quick Ravens scores followed allowing the home team to build up momentum. Winning the ball from a Knights put-in at the scrum allowed the Ravens to work the ball wide and shortly afterwards go over in the corner.
The Kingswood coaches obviously had some wise words for their team at half-time as the second half was a very different story as the visitors tore in to the Ravens. Great off loading and strong carrying saw them get back into the game and score three times.
The Knights looked to be scoring another try but a knock on near the line lead to a Ravens breakaway. A length of the pitch try had all the parents and carers clapping in appreciation.
The final match was another treat for the spectators. Strong tackling by the Knights and excellent mauling by the Ravens made this a very tight game. Late in the game, good use of an up and under (kicking is allowed from this season) got the home team close and three quick passes later the Ravens scored.
Determined defence from the Ravens couldn't stop the Kingswood team scoring after initially being held up. Then shortly afterwards a great team try from the hosts saw them go through many phases, before getting the ball wide and scoring.
This sunny Sunday saw a great advert for the standard of junior rugby being played in the region.
