Barrow Raiders 40, Hunslet 10

TEE Ritson made a memorable return after a lengthy lay off by running in four tries as the Raiders blitzed the Yorkshire side.

But it was his centre partner, Frenchman Hakim Miloudi, who stole the show as the tormentor in chief as Hunslet couldn’t cope with his box of tricks and amazing attacking play.

All credit to the Raiders, who hadn’t trained together for ten days due to Covid, a virus that forced eight players to sit this one out.

Hunslet came on the back of two good results but it was the Raiders’ day with all seven tries coming from the back line division.

Ryan Johnson showed great determination to cross for a well-earned brace of tries while full back Luke Creswell chipped in with a solo effort.

Jake Emmitt made his first appearance for the home side while before the match coach Paul Crarey said: “The crowd will love Miloudi, he is a showman”– and he lived up to expectations.

Hunslet were first to threaten with Vila Halafihi knocking on in front of the posts. Barrow came back strong with Connor Terrill and Charlie Emslie both going close before Carl Forster slipped a neat ball to Johnston who, despite the attention of three defenders, got the ball down, Ryan Shaw’s kick hitting the upright 4-0.

A high ball from Carter was fumbled by Wayne Retti allowing Barrow possession, from where Johnston’s long ball enabled Ritson to dive in at the corner – no goal, 8-0. Hunslet came back with good play, Halafihi being held short prior to Dave Gibbons losing the ball inches short of the line.

Barrow extended their lead on 37 minutes when swift play right to left saw Creswell join the line to dot the ball down with three defenders hanging on, Shaw landing a touchline goal 14-0 at the break.

Five minutes into the second half it was 20-0 as Johnston once more showed his grit and determination to hold off four defenders to slam the ball down, Shaw tagging on the goal kick 20-0.

However Hunslet came back strong with their big men proving difficult to hold as they put points on the board through full back Kiedan Hartley – Gibbons converting, 20-6.

Barrow were reined in minutes later when Johnston kicked ahead but was taken out. Dan Toal raced through to touch the ball down only for the match official to bring play back and award Johnston a penalty.

Winger Lewis Young brought Hunslet back into the picture when he swooped on a loose ball to race in from 95 yards out, 20-10.

Barrow responded with a piece of Miloudi magic as he mesmerised the cover to slip a neat ball for Ritson to cross 24-10. The same duo repeated the act minutes later, Shaw adding the goal 30-10.

Shaw added a penalty goal before Ritson had the crowd roaring him on as he picked up a loose ball. He pulled clear, stumbled, but got back to his feet and raced in from 65 yards, Shaw adding the goal points rounding off the scoring with a penalty goal.

The Raiders face a tough away game at North Wales Crusaders this weekend.

Barrow: Creswell, Shaw, Tyson, Miloudi, Ritson, Carter, Johnston, Terrill, Mossop, Forster, Emslie, Stack, Crellin. Subs used: Dowsett, Emmitt, D Toal, McBain.

Mail Man of the match: Hakim Miloudi. Attendance: 1918.