This week the Mighty 3rds were back in league action against our friendly local rivals Ravens RFC. One of the oldest clubs in the country founded in 1875 (One for the Fact Fans).

Again it was down to me to get the school children in order and make sure they turned up on time and with correct kit! Once everyone had arrived at the “club who shall not be named” on Gale Street, the next 30 minutes were spent by everyone trying to work out which lettered shirt from the new kit related to their playing positions.

The referee introduced himself and trying to impersonate Nigel Owens took great pleasure in telling us the entire game would be filmed on his chest mounted Go-Pro.

Once outside it became apparent the men in red would have 13 players for kick off with 2 en-route, so with The Ravens kindly lending us 2 players for the 1st 10 minutes the game kicked off.

The first 20 minutes were even with both teams trying to work out the Ultra-Orthadox referee. Both teams being marched back numerous yards for apparent “back-chat”

The Ravens used their big forwards up front and eventually found a way over the line to draw first blood.

The visitors came back and after some great offloads eventually centre Ian Robinson found his way over.

The remainder of the half unfortunately saw the home team rack up numerous scores due to a few missed tackles. The Ravens kicker on-form and scoring most kicks even in the gale force winds.

Half time score 33-5

The D’s regrouped and with the wind in their favour and a bit more youth on their side got themselves right back into the game by producing 3 unanswered tries.

Wing Joey Coughlin collecting a loose ball and storming the length of the pitch, Scrum Half Taz coming off the back of a scrum to go over and Stu Ali scoring for the 2nd week on the trot taking a quick penalty and diving in the corner.

With Fergie slotting a couple of conversions The D’s were within 1 score and pushing on in the oppositions 22.

However due to Ravens making a few try saving tackles and through some ill discipline which Nigel Owens penalised, the D’s quickly found themselves back on their own try-line. Despite some good defence eventually the Ravens found a way through and finished the game off.

Final Score 38-24

A great effort from everyone to get back into the game. Thanks to Ravens for playing in great spirits as always and buying us a jug after the game!

The 3rds return to league action against Thurrock 4ths on 7th March

Team:
Andrews, Ali, Dunnage, I. Fergie, Newson, Wilson, Lindsey, Salmon, Dowdall, Knowlden, Coughlin, Robinson, Ameen, Taz,

Tries:
Robinson
Coughlin
Taz
Ali

Conversions:
Fergie x 2