A brave first half effort wasn’t enough for Barrow Raiders as they fell to a 38-16 defeat to Toulouse Olympique in the south of France.

The Raiders named a much-changed line-up which included two players from Wigan Warriors on dual-registration and Finn McMillan, making his first league start of the season.

A Ryan Johnston penalty goal saw the Raiders go two ahead inside the opening 10 minutes, but Toulouse hit back quickly when Reubenn Rennie raced through a gap in the defensive line to put the French side 4-2 ahead.

Lambert Belmas was sin-binned for Toulouse after a high tackle, and the Raiders took full advantage by running in three quickfire tries.

Andrew Bulman finished well out wide, then Luke Broadbent reacted quickest to his own kick in-behind to make it 10-4.

It got even better when Johnston’s kick through was put down by half-back partner Brad Walker, putting the Raiders 12 ahead.

However, errors proved costly for the Raiders, who were ruthlessly punished by a Toulouse side that managed to turn the game on its head before half-time.

Maxime Stefani’s barge-over and a jinking finish from Ryan Rivett levelled the scores, before a kick out on the full gave Olympique field position to hit the front – Rennie bursting through for his second of the afternoon.

James Roumanos stretched Toulouse’s lead to try converted tries early into the second half, and it proved to be an advantage that would continue to grow as Paul Marcon and Rivett touched down in the final 15 minutes.

Next up for the Raiders is a home double-header against Featherstone Rovers on Sunday 26 May. Barrow Ladies will feature first at the Northern Competitions Stadium before the men take to the field later in the afternoon.

Next Sunday’s fixture will also be recognising the heritage and history of the club, with every single player, coach or board member who has ever represented the Raiders invited along, free of charge.

Match tickets, sponsorship and hospitality packages for that fixture can be purchased here.

TOULOUSE OLYMPIQUE 38

Tries: Reubenn Rennie 2, Maxime Stefani, Ryan Rivett 2, James Roumanos, Paul Marcon

Goals: Jake Shorrocks 5

BARROW RAIDERS 16

Tries: Andrew Bulman, Luke Broadbent, Brad Walker

Goals: Ryan Johnston 2

Paul Crarey reaction

Raiders head coach Paul Crarey gives his thoughts on Saturday’s defeat.

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