The first match of the season and a chance to get back into the swing of things - both game-wise and drink-wise. Played at Edinburgh, it's the first of two games in September (the second played a fortnight later in Newcastle).
Edinburgh Thebans 112 – Newcastle Ravens RFC 12
Newcastle Ravens made the long trip to Edinburgh to take on their old friends the Thebans with a much weakened squad. With only had 10 players to play 10s (5 of whom were making their debut) the score was inevitable but also very encouraging in seeing lots of new players wearing the Ravens shirt - including Conor Marron, Chris Reay, Simon Robson, Grahame Hurbert, and some old school players including Derek Wilson, Rich Daly, Andrew Lawton, James Lattimore and Rob Lawson.
Also a big thanks to Alan Dick and Alan Rick for their support from the sidelines. This was a great effort by the Ravens under the circumstances and was not helped when after 15 mins Conor Marron broke his arm and the Ravens were forced to play 45 mins of 10s rugby with just 9 players.