BARNSLEY registered their second victory of the season as they won 15-10 at Skipton in Yorkshire Division Three.
They had lost the last four in all competitions after winning on the opening day.
They are sixth in the 12-team league and are now due to host leaders Hemsworth.
Coach Tom Kittrick said: “It was a good win.
“I said to the players it was scrappy but we defended really well.
“We weren’t good with the ball in hand in the first half and had to defend a lot.
“But to go in only 5-0 down showed how well we had done because we defended for half an hour.
“We just wanted to get in at half-time.
“We looked after the ball better in the second half and got the rewards.
“We had two of our front row yellow carded at different times so we had to play with 14 men for 20 minutes.
“Last year we’d have probably lost that game but we have more toughness and fight now.
“Even the games we’ve lost we’ve been within touching distance but we didn’t take opportunities.”
Barnsley have had long losing runs early in each of the last three seasons but have won two of their first four league games this campaign.
“With the last couple of seasons we’ve had, 11 points from four games is a massive improvement.
“It’s a building year. The aim was to win more than we lose and be competitive in every game.
“We’re on our way to doing that.
“The squad is a bit more settled.
“But now we have the top two in our next two games.
“Hemsworth are top then we’ve got Leeds Corinthians.
“Hemsworth is a local derby and a lot of us know each other. It’s always a game people are up for. Players are playing against their mates.”
Tom Hardwick scored two tries while George England kicked a conversion and penalty.
Dearne Valley lost 72-5 at Leeds Corinthians.
They stay bottom having lost every game and are now due to host Burley.
Barnsley Ladies lost 32-24 at home to Sale in Championship One North.
They are eighth out of ten with one win and three defeats so far.
They are next to play at home to Kenilworth on October 25.
Wath are set for a top of the table clash with Dinningtion in Yorkshire Division One. Wath won 40-24 at lowly Beverley to go top, having won every game this season. Anthony Davies scored two first half tries but so did the hosts and the score was 14-14 at the break.
Alex Butterworth scored early in the second half then Davies added his third and fourth.
There was a late scare when Jack Whitlam – who had kicked four conversions – and Arran Tasker were shown yellow cards.
But the 13 men defended well then Ryan Burrows scored a try at the other end which Dave Laycock converted.
Wortley did not play this week but are due to host Knottingley in Yorkshire Division Four on Saturday.
