With their kit locked safely in the cupboard, but no sign of the key, the Ravens’ day didn’t start quite to plan as they scrambled for the spare Green shirts five minutes before kick off!

A strong start from the away side got their points on the board early on, but little did they know it would be that easy.

With the away team with the majority of possession, the Ravens did what they did best and defended for the first 30 minutes of the game. Only letting by one more try, without much possession, the Ravens felt good about the score line which stood at 14-0 after 30 minutes of play.

However, a accidental clothesline from Amanda Day to their winger got her 10 minutes in the bin and the green machine were down to 14 players. (We’re sorry!)

The away team took full advantage of this opportunity and scored their third try in the corner.

Making a sub, Lucy Bull came on for the front row, but as soon as she came she was gone, also getting a yellow card just after kick off for a late tackle (again, sorry about that Hackney!).

With 13 green bottles left standing on the wall, the Ravens pledged to work harder to cover for their loss.

Despite 6 v 8 in the scrum, the Ravens held their own, and didn’t take their punishment lying down. They held their opposition at bay long enough for Amanda to return from the bin.

However, a just moments before Lucy was due to return to the field, the opposition slipped through and scored their 4th try.

At half time, the opposition were 4 tries up, but the Ravens were hopeful that a return to full numbers would change the momentum of the game.

From the off, the Ravens were determined to have more control of the game. The opposition felt more under pressure than before and the Ravens were forcing their errors.

Finally, after a lot of hard work, the Ravens found themselves in possession of the ball and in Hackney’s half. Some terrific phase play and mauls saw the Ravens edge ever closer.

From a line out, the Ravens edged towards the line with a rolling maul, but the ball was held up and the away team were back in possession.

Not wasting their chances, Hackney scored another to claim their bonus point.

However, the Ravens went back again, and this time were stronger and more structured than before. With strong scrums and some decent line outs, this time the Ravens were closer than ever.

Another maul won the girls some valuable meters, and they were within 5 meters of the line again. Despite several forwards trying to batter their way through the ball was eventually held up.

Another penalty gave the Ravens another chance. This time, they pushed it forward and then whipped it out quickly to the backs, with Rosie going for the try on the edge of the pitch. However, she was pushed out again.

The Ravens has one last attempt with a rolling maul, but this time it did not get close. Hackney won the ball back and managed to score their final try of the game against an exhausted home side.

Despite the score it was a great game against a tough side.

Big thanks to Hackney for coming down - good luck in your upcoming matches!

Forward of the match this week was a tough decision with so many great performances, but went to Tash Berbank for an all round great performance.

Back of the match was a tricky choice too, but went to Rebecca Fish who had a great game with some great runs.

Big thanks to Gina, Mummy Muggy, Mikey, Clarkey, John, Emily, Fran and Jen for their help and everyone who came to support!

Next weekend we will be back in black as we travel to East London to mark the half way point of our season.