The touring GB Student RL Chairman’s XIII ‘Pioneers’ had a gripping match against Ukranian RL, with the visitor’s winning 34-18 in Kharkiv in 37 degrees centigrade heat. It was the toughest match the Pioneers have faced against a developing nation.

The Pioneers led 16-8 at the break, their tries coming from Joe Stearman (Hull University), Ollie Bloom, who also kicked four goals (Hartpury College, Gloucester), Graham Simpson-Adkins (Univ Central Lancs), Paul Young (Napier University), James Wallace (Greenhead College), Dan McRitchie (Lancaster University) and Max Bracken (Bangor University). Andrew Parks (Aberystwyth University) was named “Man of the Match”.