The first-ever game between two mixed ability sides from England resulted in an entertaining 25-25 draw between Halifax Magpies and the Bumble Bees Barbarians at Ovenden Park.

Having shown their continuity by going through a move that involved nine phases, the Bumbles soon took the lead with a training-ground move, No 8 Ryan Kirby picking up from the back of a scrum and being driven over by his pack.

Michael Steadman got the next try, taking a good line through a static defence as the visitors made it 12-0. But after bringing on some replacements, the Bumbles found themselves trailing 17-12 at half-time as the Magpies scored some excellent individual tries.

After an inspiring team talk from Bumbles president Dave Morris, who came out of retirement for the match, Martino Corazzo dived over for a try.

Halifax responded to lead 22-17 and later 25-22 but Daniel Rudyk (try) and skipper-for-the-day Leon Taylor (penalty) levelled matters each time.

The forwards won the collective man-of-the-match award for the Bingley-based Bumbles.