A late Jarrod Sammut try helped Barrow Raiders return to winning ways with an 18-16 victory at home to Keighley Cougars.
With both sides desperate for points in their fight for survival, it was the Raiders who came out on top, securing their third win in five matches in the process.
A quick start from the hosts was rewarded on 10 minutes when Anton Iaria crashed through a hole in Keighley’s defensive line to touch down near the posts.
However, the Cougars would lead 10-6 at the break thanks to tries towards the end of the first half from Josh Lynam and Alix Stephenson.
That left the Raiders with work to do in the second 40, but as was the case in the opening period, it took 10 minutes for them to post points. The try came via Luke Broadbent, with the young outside back benefitting from a slick offload in centre-field before stepping away from the visiting defence and crossing under the posts.
The lead would last only five minutes, though, as Stephenson grabbed his second of the afternoon before the hour mark.
That made it 16-12, but with nine minutes left, Sammut proved to be the match-winner as his high kick caused problems. Both sides contested the ball, it was batted back inside and the Malta international was in the right place to collect the ball again and dive over spectacularly in the corner.
With the scores level at 16-16, Ryan Shaw made no mistake as his touchline conversion secured the competition points, with the Raiders holding firm in the final few minutes.
Paul Crarey’s side will look to build on Sunday’s win when Widnes Vikings visit the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium next weekend.
Tickets for that fixture can be bought here.
BARROW RAIDERS 18
Tries: Iaria, Broadbent, Sammut
Goals: Shaw 3
KEIGHLEY COUGARS 16
Tries: Lynam, Stephenson 2
Goals: Chisholm 2
POST-MATCH REACTION
Hear the thoughts of head coach Paul Crarey following Sunday’s win.
MAN OF THE MATCH
A1 Gilberts Plumbing Services selected Luke Broadbent as yesterday’s Man of the Match.
Get kitted out in the latest Raiders merchandise by visiting our club shop!