After a physical first match against this team in the first half of the season, in the sheeting rain, the Ravens were relieved to face them in the dry weather to make the most of our pacey backs.

The game didn’t start the way the Ravens had envisaged with the away team starting the scoring, finding some space on the outside and running in their first score of the day.

However, with some excellent teamwork the Ravens held their heads high and worked the ball up the pitch. Some great runs from the backs and crash balls from the forwards, the Ravens soon found themselves within 5 meters from the opposition try line. A scrum on the 5 metre gave Captain Jenny Mugglestone the opportunity she needed to dive over the line for the Ravens’ first try.

Some more great pods and a strong run from Jo saw the Ravens back in the opposition half and encroaching on the try line again. Ruck after ruck gained the Ravens more ground, and with such physical pressure mounting against the away side it wasn’t long before Muggy found another gap and leapt over the ruck to score the Raven’s second.

Latecomer Lucy Kerr finally put in an appearance and joined us at 10, and made up for lost time by running the ball back into the opposition 22. After a few phases, the ball was shipped out again to Lucy K, who sliced through the defence to score another in the corner.

However, the away team hadn’t travelled all this way to be beaten so easily. Their excellent set price gave them the upper hand and forced the ravens to work to retain their territory. As the half drew to a close, and with injuries affecting the travelling squad, the physical ravens squad smashed their way over the try line, with Rosie Clubb seizing the opportunity and scoring her first ever try.

The second half started well, and the Ravens were on a high following their first half performance. Getting tired, and with the forwards feeling the effect of too much Christmas turkey, the Ravens aimed to play a quicker game and get the ball out to the backs to do some running.

The second half scoring was opened by Georgina Cox, who took the ball over the line with enough aggression that wiggles her past three Woodbridge players.

Again, finding space out wide, the backs tossed the ball out to Lucy K, who would have scored had it not been for a blatant high tackle just a metre from the line - with the ref awarding a penalty try.

Rosie Cocker our on the wing had had some magnificent periods of play throughout the game, but hadn’t at this stage managed to break through. She didn’t give up and finally managed to break through the defence with terrific speed, scoring her first out wide again.

A strong start to the second half put the Ravens in a comfortable position, but the opposition weren’t done yet. The opposition 13 darted through the Ravens defense and made a break up field. Just short of the try line an incredible try saving tackle from Amy Wakerley prevented Woodbridge from their try. However, the away team kept battling, forcing the Ravens to defend on their own try line. Their efforts were rewarded with their number 13 scoring her hard earned try under the posts.

The Ravens found themselves back in the Woodbridge half with just minutes left on the clock, determined to have the last say on this game. A scrum in the centre of the field gave Lucy Bull at 8 the chance to pick up and run. The ball was shipped out to Rosie Cocker who scored in the last play of the game.

An outstanding bonus point win from the Ravens after Christmas puts them in a good position for the rest of the season.

Forward of the match this week, could again have gone to any of the pack, but this week went to Lucy Bull for playing both front row and back row and for some great aggression going forward.

Forward of the Match this week went to try hard Rosie Cocker, for her outstanding performance on the wing, refusing to give up and getting her well earned tries.

Thank you to Woodbridge for coming down, a lovely team to play! Good luck for the rest of your season.

Big thank you’s also go to Gina, Mikey, Fran, Jen, Clarkey, John, Emily for all their help that went into the day, and everyone who came to support.

Next week we are away to Lakenham Hewett in the next round of the league! Wish us luck!