BARNSLEY RUFC First XV face a difficult trip to Leeds side Leos tomorrow, as they bid to get their league campaign back on track. The Shaw Laners have notched up three wins so far, but only one of those has been in the league. That was the season-opener at York RI, a crushing 48-8 success. Although they have performed reasonably well so far, they have suffered a somewhat stuttering start, with three defeats and three wins in their opening six games. They were back to winning ways last Saturday in the first round of the EDF Senior Vase at Newcastle side Novocastrians. Although the Shaw Lane men only won by 12 points, the scoreline flatters the home side, who were trailing 34-8 before two consolation tries made the score look more attractive. Barnsley fielded a changed side from the week before. Dave Rookes made his first start for over a decade at number five while Andrew Appleyard was preferred at fly half. Rob Jeffery recovered from an injury on the wing and scrum half Ben Wheeler returned as a proud father, his wife giving birth to a little girl the previous Saturday. Barnsley took the first quarter to settle into their routine and it was no surprise that Novos made the early running, with Ritchie Moat opening the scoring with a well-taken try after 12 minutes. Scott Hinchliffe narrowed the gap shortly after and Barnsley began to find their stride. Tom Gray scored the first of his two tries and was unlucky not to scoop the man of the match award following an outstanding performance. Fellow winger Rob Jeffery also scored a brace, the first created by excellent running from Matt Staton. The break came with Barnsley holding a 17-5 lead and there appeared only one winner at this stage. Novos did add a penalty shortly after the break but Barnsley continued to press and played their best rugby of the season. Gray and Jeffery added their second tries and when Appleyard crossed following a cheeky pass from Simon Casson it looked like it was going to be a big score. Novos came right back and their winger went over, but right on the final whistle Dave Addison crossed under the posts to leave the final score at 34-22. Gavin Rhodes was man of the match.
