Selby’s under 9 squad took a trip to Ripon this Sunday to take on a team with renown, and one with specialist South African coaching. The morning was chilly and started with a downpour, but spirits were far from downbeat.

Initially, Selby were taken aback by the strength of the Ripon defence and direct running, though they soon reorganised and started to score beautifully executed tries. Ripon scored well too, but Selby had amour as well as firepower and looked more and more skilful as the morning went on.

As morning turned toward afternoon, the ascendency was Selby’s in both defensive quality and the ability to get over the line.

Ripon were agreeable hosts and everyone enjoyed the tussle. And as tussles go this was an epic encounter.

Stand out performances from Toby Taperell, William Harrison, Reggie Joyce, Will Kavanagh, Jack Storey and Harry Kealey. The team effort, however, outshone the immense individual skills on show.