Away start for Vandals

Halifax Vandals will kick-off their Counties Three Yorkshire campaign with an away trip to recently-relegated Thornensians.

The season will get underway on September 3, with the club’s first home game coming against Wibsey seven days later.

The club last faced Thorne in February 2019, going down 62-5 to the eventual league runners up. However Thorne endured a miserable time in Yorkshire Two last season, finishing with just one win out 26.

In a tough-looking campaign, the Vandals also face away trips to Knottingley, Yorkshire Four champions Thirsk, Y4 runners-up Leeds Medics and Dentists and Sheffield Medicals.

With Counties Three Yorkshire now a 14-team Conference, the Vandals will play 13 against before the division splits into two after Christmas, with the top 7 playing for a shot at promotion.