ROMFORD RAVENS

The Romford Ravens made history on Saturday when they became the first team EVER to retain The National Cup at Lichfield RFC, Staffordshire.

Teddington Antlers were their cup final opponents and were the bigger pack, but the desire from The Ravens was immense.

The first 15 minutes or so were very intense and neither team gave a metre. Some terrific tackles were made by both teams and any space was quickly cut down.

The Ravens knew they probably had the edge in the backs and stuck to their game plan. This continuous pressure eventually sucked in enough Teddington defenders leaving the space for the Teach to speed down the wing to open the scoring.

The forwards were also starting to gain the ascendancy and following 3 passages of play Mad Dog was just short of the line when the power of Matron drove in and pretty much launched her over the tryline for the second score.

Try number 3 came from some awesome pressure in the scrum. Going backwards near on their own tryline, Teddington fumbled and Muggeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee leapt on the loose ball and dived over the line. Teach converted.

Half time score 17 0

The second half saw just the same level of commitment from both teams, and both teams stuck to their game plans which meant there was very little space to penetrate except by hard graft.

Great forward runs by Bulldozer, and Matron meant Teddington had to commit more forwards to the plays, Tweedle Dumb, seeing the opportunity on the blind side switched with Front Bottom who powered through for try number 4, again converted by Teach.

Romford used the opportunity to bring on fresh legs for the last 15 minutes but with many still just settling in Teddington broke away down the wing for a deserved 1^st try.

Determined that this was not going to slip away from them, Teach broke through 2 tackles and flew through a bit of a disjointed defence for her second and The Ravens 5th try , which again she converted.

There was still time for Teddington to kick the ball over the Ravens defence and despite some great tracking back by Banana they scored just within the dead ball line.

Final score Romford Ravens 31 Teddington 12.

This was a great advert for the women’s game with all 44 players used giving it their all, it was a what a final should be. A fiercely contested game played with the correct spirit.

A huge thanks to all the spectators that travelled to support us.

I would also like to add that Sheldons rugby thighs are now 30 years old, and jolly hard to hold when giving 30 bumps. Everything else is just vague .

Spectator(s) of the Season Mr & Mrs Sullivan

Try of the Season Lisa GUILLILAND (v Hertford)

Forward of the Season Lucy COWELL
Back of the Season Tors PARISH

Try's Hard tankard Ralda HUNT

Young player of the Season Charlotte MURPHY

Players Player Jacqui HOWARD

Thanks to Chris & staff behind the bar, Ken in the Kitchen and the great support from the Crowlands faithful.

Ashford Tournament WINNERS
23 Sept v New Ash Green WON 10-0
7 Oct v Beccehanians WON 70-0
14 Oct v Hertford WON 22-10
28 Oct v Canterbury WON 15-0
4 Nov v OA Saints WON 29-10
11 Nov v Beckenham WON 22-12
25 Nov v Ashford WON 12-10
2 Dec v New Ash Green WON 22-5
13 Jan v Beccehamians WON 85-0
27 Jan v Hampstead WON 29-14
17 Feb v Canterbury WON 20-10
2 Mar v OA Saints LOST 17-22
16 Mar v Hertford LOST 0-15
30 Mar v Beckenham WON 39-0
6 Apr v Ashford WON 19-5

P-15 W-13 D-0 L-2 F-412 A-113

The Ravens started the 07/08 season by winning the Ashford tournament. Beating hosts Ashford in a very exciting final 19-17. Playing the 1st half into the wind Ravens found themselves 12-0 down. But forward power, combining with the electric back line proved just enough to overcome their valliant opponents.

Captain, Lucy COWELL was pleased to receive the trophy in her first game in charge.

Awards presented by Engalnd's amy GARNETT and Wales Louise HORGAN.
Players Player :- Carmen VAUGHAN
Young Player:- Jenny HARTO
Forward of the Season:- Vicky SULLIVAN
Back of the Season:- Tors PARISH
Try of the Season:- Hayley McCLENAGHAN

Trys Hard Tankard:- Kate GREGORY

Well done to Tors PARISH, 32 try's this season. At the AGM she was voted Romford & Gidea Park RFC under21 player of the season. At the end of season party, England International Claire GREEN presented the following awards.
Try of the Season Jade HAGGER (v Hammersmith)
Back of the Season: Sarah COMBEN
Forward of the Season: Michelle NAPIER
Young Player of the Season: Vicky SULLIVAN
Players Player of the Season: Selina mad dog DUNCAN Acknowledgements were given to Jacqui HOWARD; Captain. Tors PARISH; try's scored. Louise MICKLEWRIGHT; Eastern Region honours. Special thanks went to Lucy COWELL, Sam IRVINE, Stephen bob ASHURST Fran MILLS and Carmen VAUGHAN. Spectator of the Season: Jay mungo CATER.

The Chix travelled to Welwyn for this years 7-a-side tournament. Drawn in a tough group it was not going to be easy for the Romford girls. 1st opponents Becket House withdrew, leaving the girls to face a powerful Worcester team, who similar to Basildon last year went on to win the National 7's. The Chix fought hard and it was just before half time Worcester broke the deadock. The 2nd half and Worcester showed their obvious class and won confortably. The Chix then faced Hertford, last season Herts runners up. The Chix were quickly 2 trys to nil down. Then they clicked into gear. Jen Mugglestone reducing the deficit just before half time. Playing like Chix possessed the Romford girls set about Hertford, running in 3 unanswered try's, for a comfortable win. Into the plate semi-final versus Paviars, this was a game to far, and Paviars went on to win , and then to win the plate aswell. Well done Chix you did Romford proud.

The Ravens included this years tournament in their tour of the south coast. Entering 2 teams into the event, to allow the whole squad the opportunity to enjoy 7's rugby. The 1's (Ravens) won through to the semi-final losing to Old Cats Meanwhile, the 2's (Crows) went out in the pool stage. A good time was had by all,and the Ravens will be back in Grinstead 2008, for more 'Sunshine' The eventual winners were the 'Pink Baba's'