RAVENS Wood School’s rugby academy maintained their fine start to the new season as they eased to a 34-5 triumph over Eltham College in the knockout stages of the U18 Daily Mail Cup.

After a powerful start, it came as no surprise when momentum from the pack resulted in an early Ravens Wood try.

This was converted from the touchline to give Ravens Wood a deserved 7-0 lead.

Ravens Wood demonstrated clinical finishing, which Eltham College found difficult to cope with.

Some excellent distribution from No 10 Ryan Squires set up centre Jack Brennan and flanker Lewis Tear who did well to complete passages of play.

Ravens Wood held a commanding 19-0 lead at half time.

Great determination and good approach play saw Eltham College utilise space effectively and break through, despite desperate attempts by Ravens Wood to hold them off with scrambling tackles.

This renewed form led to Eltham scoring a try half way through the second half.

Despite brave resistance from a determined Eltham team, Ravens Wood managed to sustain pressure as the match progressed, extending their lead to 34–5 by the end of play.

Notable performances came from captain Michael Lamb, who defended robustly from the back row, Tear’s hat-trick of tries and Charlie Fair’s domination of the midfield with his decisive play.

There is intense competition borough-wide to gain a place in Ravens Wood School’s senior rugby academy, which has an affiliation with Saracens RFC.

Exciting times beckon for members with new head of rugby Nick Freds and teacher Tom Beaumont moving into management of the squad.

A number of new building projects are also set to increase Ravens Wood’s sports facilities.

Construction has started on a 3G all weather pitch, which promises to facilitate year–round match opportunities for students.

With a wealth of talent and new resources, the rugby academy’s ambition to be at the pinnacle of UK school sport may soon be realised.