Redditch Ravens 46

Bristol Sonics 22

THE Ravens bounced back from their mauling at Plymouth to produce an excellent display of running rugby, scoring no less than 10 tries.

The first half started with both teams testing each other with differing styles. Bristol used their pack to try to power through the middle while the home side mixed the play using both forwards and their superior backs out wide.

It was the Sonics who opened the scoring on six minutes when loose forward Brendan Cook forced his way over for a converted try but the Ravens kept their composure and hit back with a skilful handling move resulting in Tom Solomon crossing in the corner.

Cook added a second converted try for the visitors to open up a 12-4 lead before some stern words from coach Jason Spafford finally spurred Redditch into action, the home side hitting back with three superb tries in seven minutes.

Centre Andy McGrann was first to score before wingers Ed Learna and Solomon crossed. None of the scores were converted and it remained all square at the break as Bristol scrambled a try on half-time to make the score 16-16.

The Ravens exploded into the second half and, within five minutes of the restart, Dan Ashbourne had powered through before substitute Andy Poole broke away to sprint from halfway to score under the posts.

The crucial score came soon after stand-off Mark Henderson, deep in his own half, intercepted a loose pass and raced 90 metres to score under the posts, Ashbourne adding the extras.

The Sonics' heads dropped and McGrann helped himself to his second try on 52 minutes, Ashbourne converting.

Bristol did run in a consolation try but the game was lost and Redditch finished well by running in two further tries in the final five minutes through hat-trick hero Solomon and John Grafton.

The Ravens are back in action at Woodrush RFC on Saturday when Burntwood Barbarians are the visitors (2.30pm).