Victory in defeat is what it is called I think. Ravens may have gone down 10-7 to Andover in the U15 League but from the game they can walk away proud of there performance. A number of people on the side line said it was the game of the weekend at Gosport Park with both teams showing higher skill levels and more determination than was on display the day before with the adult sides. The teams were matching each other up front and defence in the backs was solid for a change. Euan Archbald was in top gear make tackle after tackle and carrying the ball up. Sam Rushent, Finlay Daly and Harry Freeman were coping with Andover's big and experienced front row. Tom Ellis and Ethan Hammond were running good patterns in the backs. Andover were held up over the line to be denied a score. It took 21 minutes for a score to come in an evenly fought first half when Harry Rabjohn broke the line to touch down and Aidan Jarvis converted to give Ravens a 7-0 lead that they carried into the half time break.
In the second half passions were evident as the game continues at a frantic pace and with big hits being made in defence. Andover were beginning to dominate but made too many mistakes that Ravens were quick to pounce on. Ben Wheeler carried up and gained ground which allowed some attacking play from the backs. They had to reorganise when Aidan Jarvis, the fly half, left the field injured. Finally after 10 minutes Andover scored but didn't convert and a tense last 20 minutes was set up. Passions boiled over on occasions and the referee had to talk to a couple of players from each side but the game continued without incident and after being denied a try where the ball was again rule as held up they took the penalty they were playing advantage from and made it count with a try in the corner; 10-7 with only 6 minutes left. Andover controlled the ball and pinned Gosport back but a break by Tom Ellis put them into the Andover 22. Gosport gave away a penalty and Andover relieved the pressure and saw the game out.
A great mornings rugby and Ravens take a bonus point from the game and know that if they play like that next week they can get a win against Tottonians to get off the bottom of the table. Player of the match deservedly Euan Archbald.