Redditch Ravens 38

Coventry Bears 50

ROBBIE Parker made a dream debut for the Ravens but could not stop his new side from slumping to defeat.

And coach Jason Spafford is hoping the new recruit become a regular in a Ravens shirt.

Parker, a rugby union stalwart with Alcester, bagged three tries during a man of the match display as Redditch struggled to come to terms with missing players.

"Robbie came along as a favour because we had players in a sevens tournament," Spafford said.

"We have been trying to get him to come along for a while. He has phenomenal pace and can play in a number of positions."

The Ravens were within one score of the Bears throughout and, with 20 minutes to go, looked as if they might snatch a well-earned victory.

But fatigue took its toll and the Bears ran in two tries and a goal in the final five minutes.

Parker was one of three players making his debut for the Hopwood-based side and fellow newcomers James Upton and Simon Dowle both bagged a brace of tries at centre.

But it was Parker who led the way with three explosive tries.

James Robson made his long awaited return and set up a try with his first touch of the ball.

Spafford also bagged a try while John Hurst kicked two goals with Upton, a teenager who has been playing rugby union with Bromsgrove, converting a third.

A number of players missing for the Coventry clash are expected to return for the visit of Somerset Vikings in their first cross-league fixture of the season. The match, at Woodrush RFC, kicks off at 2.30pm.

l The Ravens were awarded their first 'win' of the season following the failure of the Burntwood Barbarians to field a team for their opening fixture. Redditch were awarded a 24-0 win and two league points while the Barbarians must travel to Redditch for the 'away' fixture.