Barrow Raiders pull off yet another magnificent away victory

Barrow went into the game minus key forwards Carl Forster, Dan Toal and Jarrad Stack along with suspended key half back Jarrad Sammut, with James Duerden making his second appearance following a four-year ban.

Barrow refused to buckle, picking up injuries throughout to Duerden, Tee Ritson and Danny Morrow. But such is the spirit in the camp all three came back to battle through the pain barrier.

The opening exchanges were even, with the Bulldogs going close first with winger Dale Morton almost in at the corner, but on hand with a try saving tackle was Ryan Shaw.

On ten minutes, the Bulldogs were caught offside under their own post and Shaw stepped up to slot the ball between the upright, 0-2.

Barrow were now settling into the game in extreme heat at over 31 degrees and they were to extend their lead on 14 minutes.

Sam Brooks made good ground towards the posts, ably supported by Danny Langtree and on his shoulder was Luke Creswell to dot the ball down. Shaw adding the conversion 0-8.

Barrow were enjoying most of the possession and on the 20th minute were adding more points on the board.

Ryan Johnston put in a high ball which two defenders made a hash of giving the Raiders possession.

James Duerden making his second appearance following a four-year ban

Good approach work from Cresswell and Gillam resulted in Cresswell crossing the line, the conversion from Shaw his 200th in a Barrow shirt, making it 0-14

Batley were finding it difficult to get into the game, but did get on the score-sheet on 25 minutes when Meadows crossed out wide for Gilmour to convert 6-14.

Danny Morrow came on, but was soon in trouble picking up a nasty cut to the head. The Bulldogs threatened with a high ball which saw four chasers crash into Shane Toal, who looked shaken.

However, the winger was soon back on his feet and was diving in at the corner two minutes from the break, after good work from Sam Brooks 6-18 at the interval.

The second half was barely under way when Brooks set up a raid which saw Jake Carter throw out a long ball to Miloudi who raced over, Shaw converting 6-24.

Barrow were on a high, increasing their lead when Ritson broke free chipping over the cover to regather and looked destined to score, however, Campbell was on hand to pull off a try saving tackle. Then from the play the ball, Shaw was touching down for his 500th career points but he failed to convert 6-28.

The Bulldogs were finding it difficult to penetrate a strong Barrow defence but did manage to score when Buchanan ripped the ball from Ritson’s hands to score. Gilmour added the goal for 12-28.

And to round off a good afternoons work at the office, Shaw slotted over a penalty goal 12-30. Barrow now face Featherstone at Craven Park on Sunday.

Barrow: Cresswell, Ritson, Miloudi, Shaw, S Toal, J Carter, Johnston, Brooks, Wood, Gillam, Hopkins, Langtree, Iaria.

Subs used: B Carter, Mossop, Duerden, Morrow.