Barrow Raiders fell to a hard-fought defeat at Batley Bulldogs on Sunday, going down 22-2 in Round 15 of the Betfred Championship.
A Ryan Shaw penalty goal saw the Raiders go ahead at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium, but they were unable to add further points playing down the Batley slope in the first half.
Instead, it was the Bulldogs who posted the day’s first try as Joe Burton went over in the corner.
It remained 4-2 in the hosts’ favour until the 48 minute mark, when Kieran Buchanan found a gap and broke through the Raiders’ defensive line to score a converted try which made it 10-2.
Two contentious decisions in quick succession – a high tackle on James Greenwood then a late hit which brought down Ryan Johnston – went against the Raiders, and moments later Luke Hooley added insult to injury by scooping up a loose ball and racing the length of the field to put the game to bed.
The knock was enough to force Johnston off as the Raiders finished the game with 12 men, and it gave Batley the space needed to add further gloss to the scoreline at the death as Johnny Mitsias cut inside to score.
Coming up next Sunday, the Raiders will enjoy a home double-header as Barrow Ladies host Leeds Rhinos at midday before the men lock horns with Sheffield Eagles.
Match tickets for the double-header can be purchased here.
BATLEY BULLDOGS 22
Tries: Burton, Buchanan, Hooley, Mitsias
Goals: Woods 3
BARROW RAIDERS 2
Tries:
Goals: Shaw
Paul Crarey reaction
Raiders head coach Paul Crarey reacts to Sunday’s defeat in West Yorkshire.
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