Barrow Raiders produced a dogged display but fell short as they went down 23-14 to Widnes Vikings in Round 9 of the Betfred Championship.
In an arm-wrestle of a contest, Paul Crarey’s side matched their opponents for large spells but were unable to turn their periods of territorial advantage into points.
The boot of Ryan Shaw gave the Raiders an early two point lead, but that was quickly wiped out as Adam Lawton dived over for the hosts.
Not long after, Jack Owens’ kick down the right touchline was allowed to bounce, and Ryan Ince’s opportunistic grubber inside towards the in-goal was touched down by Zach Eckersley, making it 12-2.
Owens then added a drop-goal after the half-time hooter had sounded to stretch the home side’s lead.
The Raiders started the second half well and soon grabbed their first try of the afternoon when Luke Broadbent finished off a sweeping scrum play in the corner after good hands towards the left flank.
However, it would only be a temporary reprieve as a converted Danny Craven try made it 19-8.
Vikings winger Ryan Ince then crossed in the corner to all-but-secure the win with less than 10 minutes left.
It would be the Raiders who had the final say, though, as Josh Wood crossed for his first try of the season after Jarrod Sammut’s angled kick towards the posts wasn’t dealt with well enough by the home defence.
Due to not featuring in the latest round of the Betfred Challenge Cup and then a mid-season international break, the Raiders must now wait 21 days for their next taste of action, when Bradford Bulls visit the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium on Sunday 7 May.
Tickets for the fixture can be bought here.
WIDNES VIKINGS 23
Tries: Lawton, Eckersley, Craven, Ince
Goals: Owens 3
Drop-goals: Owens
BARROW RAIDERS 14
Tries: Broadbent, Wood
Goals: Shaw 3
Post-match reaction
Hear from head coach Paul Crarey following Sunday’s defeat.
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