NEW Ravens 10, Telford Raiders 42

NORTH East Worcestershire Ravens rattled defending Midlands Premier champions Telford before succumbing in the second half on a soggy Saturday.

It was the Raiders who coped with the wet conditions better in the second half as they ran in five tries.

But Ravens played their part in the first period and from the kick-off, they opened the scoring.

Rhamal Blake made a fast break in the first two minutes and set up Dan Thomas for his try with Sean Sudworth converting.

Telford hit back after five minutes with a try and conversion of their own.

Both teams battled through strong rain but the visitors managed to hit the Ravens with another try.

Raiders saw several chances go to waste because of forward tries but they eventually bagged a second touch down just before half-time.

During the break, heavy rain again lashed down at Hopwood Park but it did not seem to deter Telford, who scored three more tries.

Ravens' opponents saw a player red carded but their hopes of taking advantage of their extra player were frustrated when Sean Flynn was held up over the line.

Telford bagged another score to make the home team's task even more difficult.

As the weather got worse, tiring Ravens players lost concentration with Sudworth receiving a sin bin for retaliation.

Ravens showed no lack of effort as they battled on with the determined Charlie Robinson going over the line with a great strong run, only for Telford to hit back and ended the scoring with a try of their own.

Director of rugby, Jason Spafford said: "Players have been in short supply over the last couple of weeks due to work commitments or injury and we know if we can play hard against the reigning champions in wet weather like with only 13 men, anything is possible.

"We have had a lot of great new players this season and it takes a while to bond, but if we keep improving at this pace things are looking good for next season."

Ravens are away to Birmingham Bulldogs next week and are hoping for better weather than Saturday for their Family Fun day on Sunday , August 10 to raise money for Redditch Heart Safe.