NORTH Ribblesdale continued the 23/24 campaign with an 81-5 thrashing of Hemsworth.

The hosts outplayed their opponents on a very blustery day at Grove Park. With the early exchanges fairly even, a close game was expected, however it turned out to be anything but.

Once Ribbs’ young guns got in front the game turned into something of a procession with Ribb scoring six tries in the first half through flying winger Ben Coultherd twice, the other winger Michael Robinson twice Centre Simon Bolland and the forceful Ryan Sumner with Michael Thwaite adding four conversions. The only response from the visitors was a well taken early try from centre Simon Benyon.

Ribb with their new expansive game were simply too hot to handle and overwhelmed Hemsworth. The second half playing into a strong swirling wind was a repeat prescription of the first and after a short period of even play, a further seven tries were scored by Coultherd (2), Robinson, Bolland, skipper Alex Dew, Freddie Spensley and Kyle Handy, with Thwaite adding a further four conversions.

This was an outstanding team performance with Ribb displaying their intent to play open fast rugby from the off. It is a long time since wingers scored seven tries in a game for Ribb and signals the style of play being demanded from new coach Tom Davidson, who has the total backing of the club and the players in what could be a new era.