Leicester Storm 56, NEW Ravens 14

NORTH East Worcestershire Ravens suffered a case of deja vu as they failed to build on a fine start in Leicestershire, leaving them without a win.

Despite only a 13-strong squad because of injuries and absentees, Ravens made a fine start and bagged the game’s first try, when Ryan Banner touched down.

But Storm hit responded with a converted try.

The home side bagged another converted effort and two more tries to take a 26-4 lead into half-time.

Both teams started the second half strongly but Ravens suffered a setback when they were reduced to 12 players due to retaliation after an altercation.

Leicester took advantage of this and quickly put over two converted and one unconverted scores.

Ravens hit back when they were back up to full strength when Will Baillon touched down.

Both sides traded scores as opposing defences started to tire with Baillon going over again and Wimbury converting.

With no substitutes available, Ravens’ determined players had to battle through the full 80 minutes, which saw a full strength Storm squad taking advantage and scoring two more efforts.

On Saturday, Ravens travel to Gloucestershire Warriors for a merit league fixture.