Barrow Raiders fell to a battling 24-14 defeat at Halifax Panthers in Round 2 of the Betfred Championship.
The hosts made a quick start and took an unassailable lead inside the opening half-hour, Andrew Bulman’s unconverted try the only response to three scores from a Halifax side looking to record their second win of the season.
A close range effort from Ryan King brought the Raiders back to within eight at half-time, Brad Walker making no mistake from the kicking tee at the second attempt.
It remained an even battle until midway through the second half, when Tom Inman darted through a gap to extend the Panthers’ advantage.
But it would be the Raiders who had the final say in West Yorkshire, returning half-back Ryan Johnston combining with King and slicing through a gap to score.
Still, it wasn’t enough for Paul Crarey’s side, who fell to a first league defeat of the season.
Attention turns to the 1895 Cup next weekend, with the Raiders travelling to Betfred League 1 side Goole Vikings in the first round proper.
HALIFAX PANTHERS 24
Tries: Jouffret, Saltonstall, Woodburn-Hall, Inman
Goals: Jouffret 4
BARROW RAIDERS 14
Tries: Bulman, King, Johnston
Goals: B.Walker
Post-match reaction
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