WATH Rugby Union Club kept their promotion chances alive with an entertaining 40-36 win at home to second-placed Harrogate Pythons in Yorkshire Division Two.
Wath were 37-17 ahead but the visitors came back to collect a losing bonus point which could be crucial in the run-in.
Fourth-placed Wath are now eight points behind the Pythons – and seven off third-placed Baildon – with a game in hand on all the top three.
They are due to visit mid-table Leeds Corinthians this weekend then host lowly Bramley Phoenix before completing the campaign at champions Wensleydale on March 25. The tries came from Luke Stead, twice, Sean Hopper, Adam Clark and Pat Selkirk while Jack Whitlam kicked 15 points. Harrogate missed a conversion to take the lead in the 80th minute before a late drop goal.
Meanwhile, bottom club Barnsley pulled out of their game at table-toppers Wensleydale, who were handed the title.
The Shaw Laners have lost all 20 matches so far this season, withdrawing from eight with five-point deductions for each. They are on minus 39 points.
Barnsley are now due to host third-bottom Wheatley Hills then visit second-bottom Northallerton on March 18 to round off the season before dropping into Yorkshire League Three.
Barnsley Ladies gained an impressive 40-22 win at home to Loughborough Town in the Championship North. They are sixth with 32 points from 14 games. They have four games left starting at home to Leicester Tigers on Saturday.
