BARNSLEY RUFC will go into the final game of the Yorkshire Division Three season in the relegation zone.

The Shaw Laners lost 22-0 at promoted Halifax Vandals so dropped down four places to second-bottom, a point from safety.

There are just three points between them in 11th and all the teams up to seventh going into the last day on April 6.

Barnsley are at home to mid-table Wheatley Hills, with victory almost certain to keep them up while a draw or even bonus points in defeat – for scoring four tries or losing by seven or fewer – could be enough.

They lost their first seven games of the season, after losing all 22 last season, but have won seven, drawn two and lost five of the last 14.

Coach Tom Kittrick said: “It was a tough day. It got away from us in the first half, playing up a hill.

“Vandals knew how to play on their pitch and they were the better side.

“We didn’t offer much in attack and deserved to get nilled.

“We’ve worked so hard since November after losing the first seven games.

“It was a kick in the teeth when we saw all the other results and the table.

“But it’s still in our hands. We’ve got the luxury that the teams around us play each other. We’ve just got to win.

“Four or five points will be enough to keep us up.”