National Cup Quarter Final - Romford Ravens 18 Harlow 5
With a place in the last 4 of the National Cup up for grabs both teams arrived ready to give it all, in order to progress.
Prepared for Harlow's forward power Ravens had picked one of their biggest packs ever, and it paid off.
They kept control of the ball for large segments of the game, but Harlow's defense held strong. That was until Captain Ronnie decided that all this driving for the line at training should come onto the pitch on a Sunday. She took the ball 10 yards from the line, pinned back her ears and let those famous rugby thighs loose to charge over the line.
Although they had the majority of the possession they were not able to cross the line again in the half.
The second half was really about Rudolph's kicking. And there was some good, some bad and some down right ugly. Trying a grubber kick through, the ball got caught in the cross wind which may have been caused by Saturday nights pizza, and the ball flew completely the wrond direction to Harlows full back. A couple of quick side steps and she raced off to score.
The Ravens considered this as against the run of play and continued to attack in the Harlow half. Eventually the pressure caused a penalty to be conceded and Rudolph this time actually kicked the ball where she intended. Bang through the middle of the posts.
Combover was unlucky not to add to the score. As she was charging at full trundle speed towards the line, she was mugged and had her boot stolen.( I expect the culprit may well be related to the Romford Sniper )
Prooving if u dont succeed the first time, try , try again. Rudolph executed a perfect grubber kick over the line. Raced through to score a fantastic try.
There was still time for Mrs Incredible, who to be honest, was moving around more like Long John Silver , to create a gap, wrong foot the opposition and score a trade mark try.
With last play being called the Ravens had a lineout. The ball floated majestically to Mad Dog who caught it above her head, twisted around to make sure everyone realised how clever she was, took the time to read War and Peace, and then eventually dropped the ball down for Rudolph to kick out of play.
The final whistle blew, a fantastic game of rugby ended and The Ravens were through to the semi finals.
Forward of the match: Chav
Back of the match : Rudolph
As one would expect the Ravens went out to celebrate. We threw Alec, the coach, into Gregs car boot and took him too. He is still suffering and as of 4pm Monday has only emerged from his bed for 2 minutes before retreating back to its safety. :)
2008 Awards
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.
SE2 east 2008 "We are the Champions"
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
Ravens WIN Ashford Tournament
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.
2007 Awards
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
2006 Season Awards
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.
CHIX - Herts 7's
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.
Sunshine 7's 2007
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'
