Barrow Raiders continued their perfect start to the new Betfred Championship season with a convincing 38-4 victory over Salford RLFC at the Northern Competitions Stadium.

In dismal conditions, a blistering first half saw the Raiders race into a 28-0 lead which they never looked likely to relinquish.

Starting on the front foot, Luke Cresswell dived over to put the home side in front after good work down the right edge, with Curtis Teare finding full-back Cresswell on his inside shoulder to go over for his fourth try of the season in all competitions.

That try was soon followed by a four-pointer for Tee Ritson, who was the beneficiary of quick hands down the Raiders left before cutting inside to score.

It was then the turn of opposite winger Dan Knott, making his competitive debut for the club, who was in the right place to touch down after Salford failed to deal with a teasing Brad Walker grubber towards the corner.

Further close-range tries followed before the end of the half for Aiden Doolan, making his first appearance since returning on a season-long loan from Betfred Super League side Castleford Tigers, and Matt Costello, who collected a Ritson offload close to the line and couldn’t be stopped.

Ten minutes into the second half, another neat offload from Charlie Emslie sent Ellis Archer over to score to the left of the posts.

And around 15 minutes from time, Luke Broadbent collected a high, looping pass towards the corner and stepped the defensive line to cross, with Walker adding the extra two to make it 38 points without reply.

But Ollie Garmston would have the final word for newly-reformed Salford, scoring their first league try after breaking down the right and powering through Cresswell to touch down.

The Raiders’ next game sees a return to Betfred Challenge Cup action, with Super League side York Knights visiting the Northern Competitions Stadium on Saturday 7 February (6pm kick-off). Tickets are available to buy here.

BARROW RAIDERS 38

Tries: Cresswell, Ritson, Knott, Doolan, Costello, Archer, Broadbent

Goals: B.Walker (5)

SALFORD RLFC 4

Tries: Garmston

Goals:

Post-match reaction

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