NORTHALLERTON first team kicked off the new year with a return to winning ways with a resolute 11-36 away win at Barnsley.

North produced the kind of form that they showed last season and also earlier on this season, by dominating most of the match up front, in the the set plays and also in the loose.

Barnsley started off the stronger but could only maintain their momentum for ten minutes before North began to take over.

Fly half Ashley Rio appeared rejuvenated and also reaped the benefit of Alexander Metcalfe returning to the centres where they both combined to cause mayhem in the Barnsley defence. With scrum half Matthew Marsay also being prominent in both defence and attack, the home team had no answer to Norths consistency and directness.

Norths tries came from Sam Taylor(2), Ashley Rio, Joe Greiff and also the try of the match was from Joe Osleton, who shimmied one way, then another, leaving the defence totally confused before gliding over the try line. Rio added four out of five possible conversions and one penalty. The home team could only manage one first half unconverted try, - by which time North had amassed twenty nine points, and two second half penalties from the Barnsley fly half.

Northallerton’s man of the match was awarded to Matthew Marsay but it could easily have been shared out between six or seven players.

Next week North are again on their travels but this time to Wheatley Hills near Doncaster, kick off at 2.15pm.

Northallerton second team entertained the Wharfedale Academy team at Brompton Lodge but were unable to match the superior teams efforts, falling to a 11-72 defeat.

Norths points coming from a Jack Symes try plus a penalty and drop goal from Paul James.

Next week Northallerton second team are scheduled to play Selby at home with a 2.15pm kick off.