Following the conclusion of a fantastic regular Betfred Championship season, Barrow Raiders will host Batley Bulldogs in the first week of the play-offs on Sunday afternoon.
The winner of that match will face either Leigh Centurions or Featherstone Rovers as the race to reach Super League next season intensifies.
Victory over London Broncos last weekend meant the Raiders secured a fourth-placed finish in the league table, one place and one point above the Bulldogs.
With both sides claiming a victory apiece during the regular season, a thrilling battle is in store at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium.
The Opposition
The Bulldogs have had a 2022 campaign to remember, capped off by reaching the play-offs for the second year in a row.
Craig Lingard’s side might’ve finished higher too, but a run of four defeats in their last six league fixtures allowed the Raiders to leapfrog them on the final day of the regular season.
They have a number of in-form players, not least full-back Luke Hooley who has amassed 20 tries thus far in 2022.
Fresh from a heavy defeat to Leigh Centurions last week, they will have a point to prove as they look to stop the curtain falling on their current campaign.
Paul Crarey preview
We spoke with head coach Paul Crarey ahead of Sunday’s game.
SUNDAY |Play-off time… ?
? @BatleyRLFC? Sunday 18 September
?️ Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium
⏰ 3:00pm kick-off
? Betfred Championship Play-Off
?️ https://t.co/T7sA1nfrVt pic.twitter.com/0nOkCFHnAQ— Barrow Raiders (@BarrowRaiders) September 15, 2022
Jarrad Stack preview
Barrow Raiders captain Jarrad Stack says that a play-off tie on home soil is a reward for their incredible success this season.
He admits that the fixture is testament to the Raiders’ fantastic season, and that the occasion will be special for the club and loyal supporters.
“It’s massive for us,” he said. “At the start of the season, we were written off by critics, and a lot of fans thought that coming from League 1 we weren’t going to be anywhere near the finals.
“With the way the team has gelled throughout the season, the work of the coaching staff and that belief amongst the group, a home play-off draw is the perfect reward.”
Match Information
Sunday’s play-off fixture at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium kicks off at 3:00pm. Please be aware that season tickets will not be valid for this fixture.
Match tickets are priced as follows:
Online ticket prices –
- Adults: £15
- Concessions: £11
- Juniors: Free
Turnstile prices –
- Adults: £17
- Concessions: £12
- Juniors: Free
Buy your tickets for Sunday’s play-off tie against Batley Bulldogs!