THE upward looking North Ribblesdale began their first season in Yorkshire One, for twelve years, with an emphatic victory at well-respected opponents West Leeds.

It didn’t take long for the visitors to assert their superiority and after a well taken penalty from Tom Davidson, Ralph Wellock opened his account for the season finishing off a scintillating back move.

This was followed by another impressive back move with young speedster Ben Coultherd scoring, and then Wellock getting his second to leave the hosts reeling at 24 - 3 down at the interval. Tom Davidson adding all three conversions.

The second half was a repeat prescription for the first twenty minutes with Matt Speres barging over and the obdurate Sam Smith plunging over wide out before Wellock intercepted in his 22 but scorched clear for a well-deserved hat trick.

New scrum half Hennie Van Rensburg kicked three conversions to cap an impressive debut.

Despite the hosts scoring a couple of late tries it was the all-round play that was very impressive against a side that has finished in the top half of this division for the last six years.

Ribblesdale’s defence was outstanding with Conor Stubbs and Ryan Sumner putting several telling hits.

This was a sterling performance and with several senior players yet to become available it will surely give the management team something to think about.

There is an air of confidence at Grove Park not seen for several years and with Beverley visiting this week another win would be a statement that Ribb mean business this season.

Kick-off is at 3.00pm.