Travelling to unbeaten Barnsley was always going to be a tough ask for Halifax Vandals with a full team - but with 67 lads in total unavailable it proved to be mission impossible.

Barnsley have been in formidable form this season as they look to make an immediate return to Yorkshire Two, averaging just under 40 points per game - and are deservedly top of the league.

Due to a catalogue of injuries, work commitments, holidays and a host of other reasons, the Vandals were forced to name a 52-year-old Jon Isherwood at No.8, a 59-year-old Martin Pritchard on the bench and a handful of players in makeshift positions.

With no recognised fly-half, Jordan Bloem stepped in and performed admirably, while scrum-half Ryan Arnold had to cover at 15, Joe Greenwood moved to an unaccustomed position at centre, while Aaron Carrington continued to fill in at flanker.

On top of this hooker Callum Gerrard, who only began playing rugby during lockdown, had a baptism of fire for his 1st XV debut - especially as alongside him Tom West was making his first start and Dan Brown was appearing for just the third time this season.

And Barnsley took full advantage as they ran riot. The pack provided a solid platform for them to play off, while the backs were well drilled and looked dangerous every time they had the ball. They scored 12 tries in total, and 10 conversions, en route to a ruthless victory.

The Vandals did their best despite the odds being stacked against them, with their best chances coming in the second half.

Isherwood and Carrington both went close, however while Barnsley were brutally efficient with their chances, the Vandals just couldn’t get a try their efforts deserved - with the home defence impressing.

Undoubtedly Barnsley will continue their march towards the title, however the Vandals can be proud of everyone of the lads who pulled on the shirt.