IN-FORM St Joseph's go into the Christmas break in touch with the leading Pennine League Division I pack following an excellent 34-14 victory over Illingworth.
Even though the margin of victory looks comfortable, it was only in the final 15 minutes when the home side took firm control.
They made the perfect start with a try after five minutes from Romaine James, converted by Neil Barrett. Joes then added further first-half tries from man of the match Shaun Mitchell and Barrett, who also added one of the goals.
But with the Halifax side grabbing two tries of their own, the game was 16-10 at the break.
That lead was cut to 16-14 early in the second half, and Illingworth threatened to take command.
But with second-rower James Street leading from the front, it was the home side who began to take the initiative. Lee St Hilaire powered over midway through the half to extend the lead to eight points, and the Fartown-based side never looked back.
Mitchell raced over for his second and with a minute remaining Darren Kelly intercepted to complete the tryscoring, with Barrett landing all three conversions.
It was a victory that delighted head coach Jody Shaw, who said: "This was our most clinical performance of the year.
"I'm delighted with the way the lads dug deep and showed we can win these armwrestles.
"Illingworth are no mugs and this time last year we may not have got the two points.
"That shows how far we have come. Our form has been superb in the first half of the season and we are right in the mix."
