Barrow Raiders ran in 10 tries to kick off their 2023 pre-season with an impressive 52-24 victory at home to North Wales Crusaders.

Debutants Ellis Archer and Rio Corkill scored twice, as did Nathan Mossop, whose testimonial was being celebrated in the fixture.

Ryan Johnston opened the Raiders’ account for 2023 after just five minutes.

Then after a good initial break from Mossop, the hooker was in the right place at the right time to support Ellis Gillam and score not long after. 

Jordan Andrade got Crusaders on the board, but Archer scored within seconds of his introduction midway through the first half and Ryan Shaw finished off a flowing team move to extend the hosts’ lead to 22-6. 

A quickfire double from Jonathan Griffith and Brad Brennan meant there were just four points in it at half-time, and Jack Houghton put the visitors ahead for the first time shortly after the interval. 

The lead didn’t last long, though, with Rio Corkill marking his debut with a try after a superb team move before scoring an intercept try from deep inside his own half. 

Archer’s second made it 36-24 on the hour mark, and there was still time for new winger Andrew Bulman to dive over in the corner, Mossop to weave his way over for a second and Danny Langtree to bring up the half-century mark in the closing stages.

The Raiders are next in action at home to local rivals Workington Town on Sunday 22 January (3:00pm kick-off). 

Tickets for the fixture can be bought here.

BARROW RAIDERS 52

Tries: Ryan Johnston, Nathan Mossop 2, Ellis Archer 2, Ryan Shaw, Rio Corkill 2, Andrew Bulman, Danny Langtree

Goals: Ryan Shaw 5, Ryan Johnston 

NORTH WALES CRUSADERS 24 

Tries: Jordan Andrade, Jonathan Griffith, Brad Brennan, Jack Houghton

Goals: Brad Billsborough 4

Post-match reaction

Hear the thoughts of Raiders head coach Paul Crarey following Sunday’s victory.

Man of the Match

On his big day, Nathan Mossop was awarded Man of the Match after an impressive two-try display.

Buy your 2023 season ticket ahead of the new campaign!