Barnsley Rugby Union Club's first team moved off the bottom of Yorkshire League One when they ended a run of six games without a win with a 30-25 success over Pontefract.
The Shaw Laners are guaranteed to finish in the bottom two, which is supposed to be the relegation zone. But it is possible that only one team will come down from the league above and Barnsley could be safe if they finish above fellow strugglers Knottingley who they leapfrogged on Saturday.
Barnsley travel to York tomorrow then host Knottingley in their final game of the season on April 27. Coach Mark Smith said: "We're still unsure if we will go down. We just have to keep winning all our games and then wait and see."
Pontefract took the lead after two minutes through a converted try but Barnsley's Craig Jeffels replied on 25 minutes. Andrew Appleyard missed the conversion but kicked two penalties to put the hosts 11-7 up at the break.
Pontefract reduced the deficit with a penalty just after half-time but Jeffels scored his second and Appleyard converted to make it 18-10 to Barnsley. Jo South and Josh Smith then touched down either side of a Pontefract penalty, with Appleyard converting the latter's try to make it 30-13.
A late wobble saw Pontefract touch down twice. Wath-Upon-Dearne slipped back to fifth in the table with a 45-29 home loss to leaders Driffield. They complete their season at Heath tomorrow.
