BARNSLEY RUFC moved out of the Yorkshire Division Three relegation zone with a 12-7 win at Thirsk.
The Shaw Laners lost their first seven games of this season, having lost all 22 in the league above last season. But they have won three and drawn one of their last four games.
George England and Jonty Ward scored tries with Joe Perry adding a conversion.
It was a revenge mission for Barnsley who beat Thirsk at home earlier in the season but the match was awarded as a walkover to the visitors after an administrative error.
They are now due to visit Rotherham Phoenix on Saturday in their last game of 2023.
Coach Tim Kittrick said: “It’s a good win, they are a good team and we had to work hard for it.
“We talk a lot with the lads about the non-negotiables – attitude, effort, energy and skill and they did all that to win.
“We are heading in the right direction, we are winning ugly at the minute but, with the position we found the club when we came in, it’s was important to just win.
“It’s close to clicking, they are starting to understand what we expect, time is our best friend at the minute.
“We will keep working hard on Tuesday and Thursdays and the first complete performance won’t be too long away.
“Next Saturday is important – they are in some good form but we want to go into the Christmas break unbeaten in five games.
“That’s the challenge and the lads are hungry for it.”
Wath lost 16-5 at North Ribblesdale and slipped down to third in Yorkshire Division Two.
Joe Earp’s try provided the only points for Wath.
They won their first seven games but have now lost three of their last four. Wath are now due to host Roundhegians on Saturday.
Barnsley Ladies are due to visit Buckingham Swans in their final 2023 game in the Championship North.
Dearne Valley’s game with Sheffield Engineers was called off.
