Heap halts Barnsley

Leaders North Ribblesdale maintained their slender lead with a 31-17 victory at Barnsley.

Stand-off Steve Moon kicked Ribblesdale ahead with an early penalty but Barnsley went 7-3 ahead three minutes later when Moon's opposite number Andrew Appleyard raced over for a try which he converted.

Open-side flanker Chris Heap touched down for the first of his two tries, Moon converting, to give the visitors a 10-7 advantage at the turnround, and they stretched their lead with tries by centre John Moimoi and replacement hooker James Ogden. Moon converted both as well as Heap's second try.

Appleyard kicked a penalty for Barnsley and also converted when the home side were awarded a late penalty try.

Knottingley, who had also beaten Barnsley a week earlier, stayed within one league point of Ribblesdale when they scored a 13-8 win at Doncaster Phoenix.

Winger Paul Simpson scored their try, while full-back Dave Evans added a penalty, conversion and drop goal.

West Park Leeds remain third after an 18-8 win at West Leeds, with centre Matt Stevens and Stewart Mclure scoring tries, while Connor Armstrong kicked two penalties and a conversion.

Ripon kept their fourth position as they were held to an 8-8 draw at home to Hullensians, whose point saw them move back in front of Doncaster Phoenix.