NEW Ravens 10, Coventry Dragons 88

NORTH East Worcestershire Ravens kicked-off their tenth anniversary season with a spirited defeat.

The Hopwood Park-based outfit were blown away by an impressive first half.

Both sides observed a minutes silence for Danny Jones, the Keithley Cougar player who tragically lost his life playing the game he loved.

Dragons were on top in the first half, scoring 46 points with eight tries and six goals.

Ravens had suffered a setback when they lost key man Will Greenwood in the 15 minutes after twisting his knee.

In the second half, Coventry continued to score but Ravens s started to see more of the ball .

The highlight of the defence was seeing Brad Sinclair chasing back 70 metres to stop the opposition runner with a try-saving tackle.

The hosts finally got just reward for their never-say-die attitude as the ball was swung out wide with a grateful Sinclair on the end to go over in the corner, with Dave Wimbury’s conversion just falling short.

Dave Swaysland then touched down for a try which was converted by Dave Wimbury..

On Saturday, Ravens tackle Birmingham Bulldogs away from home.