Tough Pre-season brings Ravens down to Earth

Kent Ravens 14 vs. 66 St. Albans Centurians

After a first impressive win last week, the next pre-season trail match saw the Ravens take on fellow Premier league side St. Albans Centurians, the first battle of the season between the promoted Kent side and Centurians who have dropped down from National League 3.

The match started poorly for the Raven by conceding a penalty from the very first kick of the game it was going to be a long day. From this mistake the Cents made good ground down the pitch and two penalties from an undisciplined Ravens gave the Cents even more possession allowing them to scored under the posts.

St Albans soon extended their lead by scoring two more quick tries in a 10 minute period. The Ravens responded well with a try from Ewen Drummond filling in at hooker for the day, managing to over power the Cents defence and cross from close range, with Claridge converting the extras the Ravens were back in the game at 16 – 6. though the comeback was short lived, the Ravens conceded again within a poor 15 minute spell which left the visitors firmly in control at 42 – 6 at half time.

The Ravens performed better in the second half and limiting the Centurions. Ewen Drummond crossed for his second of the game to take his seasons total to 5 tries from two matches, again another close range effort and returning player Warren Long crossed for the Ravens third and final try of the afternoon after good forward play  from brother Paul and Aurie Hyder created space out wide for Long to cross uncontested.

The poor day for the ravens continued as the Under 14s took on Brixton Bulls away in South London, though Captain Jack Candlin and debutant Ally Rushworth did their best with arty a piece while Toby Pumfrey added the extras the Junior Ravens side fell to a 22 to 14 defeat, though with players coming back from their football and rugby union seasons this week the hope is for astronger squad for next weekends league match against Brentwood.

The Kent Ravens are looking players and volunteers of all ages to come and join in even if you have no experience; it is great fun with also the chance for players to work through representative honours too. So if you are interested in playing, training or helping out then do not hesitate to get in contact with the Kent Ravens by emailing alan@... calling 07707 852 952 or by seeing our web site at www.kentravens.co.uk