BARNSLEY RUFC are hoping for a much more positive season than in previous years when they start their Yorkshire League Three campaign on Saturday.
The Shaw Laners have narrowly avoided relegation in the previous two seasons, by just two points in the most recent campaign.
Coach Tom Kittrick said: “From where we’ve come from in the last few seasons, we’re taking baby steps.
“We think we can get into mid-table and be comfortably not looking over our shoulder for the last few games.
“But we also think, with the players we’ve signed, we might be able to push further up the table than that.
“We think the league is pretty open. Wheatley Hills will be strong.
“We play the teams who finished third, fourth and fifth last season early on so it will be either a grounding for us or tell us where we are.”
Barnsley start at home to Rotherham Phoenix.
Kittrick said: “Rotherham are a good side.
“They have a strong pack and it’s always a good test.
“It was a close game at home last season then they trounced us away.
“We played them in a sevens tournament in the summer and they scored in the last play of the final to win it.
“We always want to get points on the board early.”
Barnsley have been joined in Yorkshire Three by newly-promoted Dearne Valley who start at Thornesians. Wortley are due to host Sheffield Medicials in Division Four.
