NORTH East Worcestershire Ravens continue to demonstrate signs of progress but the wait for the first win of the season goes on after they lost 66-34 to Buxton Bulls on Saturday in the Midlands Premier.

Ravens produced a stirring second half after they had went into the break trailing 38-12, after Jason Spafford and Liam Dunn had scored trues and David Wimbury had put away two conversions.

But the Hopwood Park based outfit upped their game and hit back hard in the second half as they scored three tries to close the gap to 38-28.

Captain David Swaysland touched down and there was also a brace for Jonnie Mills.

But Buxton took advantage of their biggest squad to freshen up their tiring side.

With Ravens tiring and having no relief on the side line, Buxton put in another four tries.

But Mills was determined not to let the game go with out a fight and he was looking hard for his second hat-trick in two games.

He demonstrated determination to bag his third try with ten minutes to go.

Tiredness and the long journey finally got to the Ravens with Buxton scoring another two tries to win 66-34.

Ravens fought hard to the end but enjoyed every minute of the game.

The return home to take on Northampton on Saturday (2.30pm start).

Meanwhile, other sections of the club are developing nicely with the juniors working hard ahead of their first festival of the season on Sunday, June 21 in Nottingham.

Kings Norton and Ravens O2 Touch section are also training on Mondays and Wednesdays in preparation for the participation in the O2 Touch tour on Saturday at Loughborough University.

Anyone who wants more information about the club can go to www.newravensrl.co.uk