Penalty count curtails Ravens but they secure win

Round 4 of the JTL Fire HRFU U16 League and Ravens were away to Trojans RFC looking for a win to hopefully secure a Cup rugby position for the second stages of the competition. With injuries causing rearrangement of Ravens back line the sides were evenly matched and it took ten minutes for the first score to come from winger Gregor House but conversion was missed by full back Connor Cox. Trojans kicked a penalty to stay in touch and were frustrating Ravens attacks will a solid defence. Ravens struggled to retain possession and penalties in the tackle zone cost them opportunities. After a frustrating twenty minutes they reorganised the back line with substitutions and it appeared to stabilise their play. Off of a lineout they drove the ball and No.8 Ed Bell managed to forced his way over for a try but the conversion was missed. Half time came with score at 10-3.
The penalty count was still high but some running attacks were starting to be effective and when Trojans kicked deep Kini Nawai collected and ran an evasive 70m run to score, which was converted. Trojans weren't finished and responded will a well worked try of their own that was converted keeping them in the game at 17-10. Repeated infringement lead to a yellow card for Johnnie Lewis and Ravens had to work hard to stay on top but were starting to dominate possession. Harry Rabjohn score twice and converted both to seal the win but Ravens were again reduced to fourteen when Riley Clark was yellow carded. Trojans advanced by penalties down the pitch and closed the game with a well deserved score. Post match Gregor House was recognised as Ravens player of the game.
Final score 31-17.