On what felt like the hottest September Sunday the girls have ever experienced, the Ravens welcomed Harwich & Dovercourt RUFC for their second home game of the season.

After an intense physical start, the Ravens had most of the possession and put the pressure on the away side in their own half.

The Ravens tried to use the wings to gain ground round the outside, but the excellent opposition defence kept them at bay.

The Ravens ground on, retaining most of the possession but not quite able to convert their hard work into points.

The opposition finally managed to get into the game, and made the most of their chances. It wasn’t long before one of their zippy backs made it through the Ravens and down to their line to score their first try of the game.

From this point Harwich started to assert their dominance a bit more and the Ravens found themselves defending in their own half. Despite some good turnovers, nothing came to fruition and the Ravens remained pinned in their half. It wasn’t long before Harwich found their opportunity again and broke through the Ravens defence to finish the first half 10-0.

Harwich’s third try came quickly after half time, catching the Ravens off guard. But the Ravens pulled it back, and regained the majority of possession again. The Ravens were back in the opposition half again, and this time were determined to convert their hard working into points.

Harwich turned over the ball and tried to clear their half with a kick, but the ball ended up in the arms of Amy Wakerley, who cut through the disorientated opposition to score the try under the posts.

A wonderful kick from Rosie Cocker added the two points to make the score 7-15.

From kick off, Harwich were determined to make a comeback and charged down the ball, cutting a line through the Ravens to score their forth try between the uprights. The two points were added to their tally with another good kick.

With 10 minutes to go, Harwich were hungry for their bonus point try but it wasn’t to be found. The Ravens held out and the game ended 7-22 to the away side.

Forward of the Match went to Jen Hollins, for stepping away from her usual role in the centre to help at flank - where she did a great job.

Back of the match went to Rosie Cocker for her fabulous running lines and try saving tackles on the wing.

Big thanks as usual go to Clarkey for coaching, Enzo & Conor for running touch,
Mummy muggy for her food, Luke for helping to serve, Fran for organising (while on holiday) and Gina for videoing.

A final, very special thank you goes to Kayleigh for not just the weekend, but for several years of physioing for us. Thanks for keeping us taped together! Even though this was your last official match day with us for now - we are SURE we will see you often ?

The Ravens have a well earned rest before their first cup fixture away to Battersea on 29 September.