Birmingham Bulldogs 18, NEW Ravens 82

NORTH East Worcestershire Ravens gained valuable experience after being losing to Birmingham Bulldogs in the Midlands Rugby League Premier on Saturday.

A young side put up a fight against a well-established team before before being overran at Old Damson Lane.

The first half saw the Bulldogs demonstrate strong running and slick ball handling to run in a string of tries against the Ravens side still learning to work together.

When the visitors got hold of the ball they put together someattacking play but missed several opportunities to score purely through lack of cohesion.

Eventually, Will Greenwood made the break through with a typical barnstorming run that led to a try just before half time, converted by David Wimbury.

In the second half, Ravens started to find the combinations of play that made life more difficult for Bulldogs as their defence tightened and attack gained a greater possession of the ball.

This led try from Jamie Thomas and debuting Dave Pearson, which were both converted by Wimbury.

Despite the improvements, Bulldogs outscored Ravens by six tries to two in the second period and showed their intentions for the rest of the season.

Ravens have faced two of the best teams in the league.

Director of Rugby Jason Spafford said: "Our young players are showing amazing determination in a really tough league and we need more of them.

"We have union players, football players and complete novices playing for us this year, all we really need is athletic and brave young men who want really want to challenge themselves, we can teach them the rest.2 Anyone interested in becoming part of the the Ravens can attend training is every Wednesday 7.30 at Hopwood Park.

They face Derby City next week at their home Hopwood Park (2.30pm start).