NEW Ravens 4, Northampton Demons 82

NORTH East Worcestershire Ravens were no match for the unbeaten Midlands Premier leaders in a one-sided affair on Saturday.

With a host of players missing and a number of fresh faces making their debut, Ravens had a mountain to climb.

Northampton scored there first try from the kick-off but were unable to convert.

The hosts fought back and after some slick passing, Tom Fletcher touched down to score a try to level the scores.

Ravens set up camp in the Northampton side for 20 minutes with a great attacking line but after just failing to take the lead, the visitors powered into a 28-4 advantage with three converted scores.

The second half saw the away team come out guns blazing, leaving depleted Ravens side worn out with such a high amount of defence.

The exhausted home team in the extreme heat and with less chances to rotate the team, allowing Northampton to slip past the tired defence and score ten more tries,, seven of which were converted.

Ravens were pleased overall with the performance and had always known this was going to be a hard ask with depleted numbers but believe if we had had a full squad we would of been able to really hold our own against Northampton.

Director of rugby Jason Spafford said: "The players came out knowing this was going to be a hard game but they gave it there all and I am proud that they didn't give up and gave Northampton a good battle.

"We had some players making their debuts and it was no easy task for their first game but they all did extremely well and we can now look forward to next week with a full squad and build on all the positives of each week."

Ravens are away to Leicester Storm this weekend.