NEW Ravens 24, Birmingham Bulldogs 14

NORTH East Worcestershire Ravens produced an immense defensive effort to start the season with a derby victory on the opening day of the Midland Premier League.

Brad Sinclair provided the perfect beginning to the campaign in the second minute when he spotted a gap and sprinted through for a try which was ably converted by Dave Wimbury.

The Bulldogs hit back within minutes to score a try wide out.

Solid tackling by the hosts, playing at Kings Norton RFC’s Hopwood-based home, denied Birmingham two try-scoring opportunities, with Arran Warburton and Dave Swaysland producing with well-timed challenges.

Ravens went into half-time with a slender two-point lead but another strong start put them on the front foot.

Richard Whitehouse chipped over the Bulldogs’ defence then re-gathered the ball to go over for a touch down which was converted by Wimbury.

Ravens’ Midlands rivals responded well with a try of their own from a rare error by the hosts.

Swaysland was the next one to trouble the scorers as he spotted a gap open on the last tackle of the phase to dive from yards out again converted by Wimbury to make it 22-10.

The home team showed immense solidity as they defended three consecutive sets of six tackles on their own line.

The accurate Wimbury then tucked away a penalty to leave Bulldogs needing three scores to win the game.

Despite a late try by the home side, Ravens held on for a confidence boosting victory.

NEW Ravens have a gap week next week but will be putting the effort in hard at training ready for their next match on Saturday, May 14 away at Northampton.

Juniors training starts on Sunday (10.30am) at Hopwood Park.

Anyone interested in getting involved in either playing or supporting can visit www.newravensrl.co.uk for further details.