The boot of Ryan Shaw earned Barrow two vital points in this relegation battle at a wintry Craven Park.
Shaw, one of the competitions best goal kickers held his nerve in the 72nd minute to send the ball sailing between the posts to end the Lions’ hopes of victory.
It was a victory that the Lions were looking to be heading for in the second half as they played brighter rugby than the home side who were content to keep the ball safe rather than spread it wide.
But credit to Barrow whose line came under constant pressure in that second period.
Barrow were first to threaten when Ramon Silva made a telling break up field, parting to Luke Creswell who made good ground before being halted. And when the home full back was taken high in a tackle, Shaw’s attempted kick at goal against a swirling wind never hit the target.
Barrow were to take the lead on seven minutes when from dummy half Aaron Smith managed to ground the ball over the line from close range, Shaw again off target 4-0. Four minutes later former Raider, Dan Abram slotted over a penalty goal following a high tackle on Gavin Bennion 4-2.
Within three minutes Barrow stretched their lead when hard working forward Ellis Gillam made good yards and in like a shot from dummy half was Smith for his second of the afternoon, Shaw adding the goal 10-2.
It was nip and tuck with the Lions well led by Rodden gaining ground before being handed a penalty from which Rhys Williams strolled in at the corner for a try, Abram failing to convert 10-6
Bennion was strong in attack for the Lions bringing the best out of the home defence, but it was Barrow who were to stretch their lead when Tom Walker with a forceful run to the line had the ball ripped out. Up stepped Shaw to convert the penalty 12-6.
Lewis Hall, former Raider, constantly tested Creswell with high bombs which the full back took in his stride on each occasion. Abram made it 12-8 when Barrow were penalised under their own posts. And when Williams jumped high in the corner to send the ball back from a Hall kick, on hand to gather was Luke Broadbent.
The game turned on its head within the first nine minutes of the second half. Andrew Bullman trying to force a pass on halfway saw the ball swept up by Rodden who galloped in for a try covering 45 yards, Abram tagging on the goal 12-14.
Then following pressure on the home line and following a ten yard scrum, former Raider Jake Spedding prised open a gap to dot the ball down, Abram tagging on the conversion 12-18. The Lions had their tails up as they continued to give the ball airtime with Barrow struggling to make any headway into the visitor’s territory.
Gillam and Rothwell both lost possession in attack and it took a fine Wilkinson tackle to prevent Gibson racing clear. Barrow had it all to do but drew level on 68 mins when skipper Jarrad Stack crossed for a well-deserved try after good work by Smith, adding the goal was Shaw 18-18.
Stack played the full 80 minutes to lead his side to victory which was sealed eight minutes from time. Brad Walker put in a kick and was taken off the ball by Roby who was sin-binned allowing Shaw to land the vital two pointer. Creswell, Smith and Stack were outstanding. Barrow move into tenth position ahead of Halifax, Swinton, Whitehaven and Dewsbury.
Barrow: Creswell, Bulman, Broadbent, Toal, Shaw, B Walker, Johnston, Gillam, Smith, Silva, Rothwell, Stack, Worthington.
Subs Used: Wood, Burke Walker, Wilkinson Mail Man of the match: Aaron Smith. Attendance 1,495