BARNSLEY Hockey team were celebrating without having to break sweat last weekend.
The Reds’ own game against Lindum 5 was called off as they could not assemble a team.
That awarded Barnsley a 5-0 victory and then news filtered through that Lindum 4 had lost 3-1 to Louth.
That surprising result meant that Barnsley now can’t be caught and are the champions of the Peak and Wold Men’s Division One.
Barnsley could well have even more points handed to them as in their 3-3 draw away to Lindum 5 on March 2, the home team are alleged to have fielded an ineligible player.
That would hand Barnsley another 5-0 win.
Barnsley are six points clear of Lindum 4 with 45 points and two games left to play.
Barnsley travel to Sheffield Bankers Five on Saturday and then host Doncaster Four on April 6, while Lindum only have one remaining game.
Captain James Shaw said: “This season has been a really enjoyable one. The team spirit is the best it has ever been and this is reflected in the pitch.
“We have had some difficult games to get through, especially after the Christmas break where we have had to travel to most away games with only 11 players.
“At the start of the season we had a terrible away game at Chesterfield where we only had ten players and Chesterfield took full advantage.
“Our home form has been exceptional, we have scored 51 goals and only conceded seven. We have had to dig deep in our away fixtures to get the results we needed.
“Lindum 4 have been up with us all season, same points, same goal difference. We knew we had to beat them at home to give us the best chance for promotion. We beat them 5-1, probably one of the best results we have had in recent seasons.
“I couldn’t be prouder of all the lads that have pulled the Barnsley shirt on this season and everyone has given their all on and off the pitch and I want to thank them all for their hard work.”
