Report: Halifax Panthers 20-28 Barrow Raiders

Charlie Emslie scored twice as Barrow Raiders defeated Halifax Panthers 28-20 to pick up a big result in their pursuit of a top-six finish in the Betfred Championship.

The Raiders were forced to dig deep to get the win in Round 23, earning their first victory at The Shay in 15 years in the process.

Halifax struck inside four minutes through Alfie Johnson – his first of four for the afternoon – before going over again soon after to make it 8-0.

Ellis Gillam reduced the arrears before the midway point of the first half, powering his way over to score down the right edge.

A penalty from Brad Walker drew the two sides level on the half-hour, and three minutes later the tee was out again as he nudged the Raiders in front.

Before half-time, Emslie struck a decisive blow to stretch the Raiders’ lead to eight, crashing over with two defenders hanging off him after a short pass left from Ryan Johnston.

A fine start to the second half saw Andrew Bulman twist and turn to score in the right corner, with Walker’s conversion making it 22-8.

With 50 minutes gone, Johnson completed his hat-trick for Halifax, but Emslie’s second try on the hour gave the visitors a healthy cushion.

A late yellow card for Jarrad Stack provided Halifax with the impetus to score again through Johnson, but it would be just a consolation as Paul Crarey’s side held on to win by eight.

Sunday’s victory in West Yorkshire leaves the Raiders in a strong position ahead of Wednesday night’s penultimate game of the regular season against Doncaster at the Speed Competitions Stadium (7:30pm kick-off).

Tickets are available to buy here.

HALIFAX PANTHERS 20

Tries: Johnson (4)

Goals: Carter, Johnson

BARROW RAIDERS 28

Tries: Gillam, Emslie (2), Bulman

Goals: B.Walker (6)