Barrow Raiders Ladies head coach Amanda Wilkinson insists her players understand what is at stake as they continue their quest to secure promotion to Group 1 of the Betfred Women’s Super League.
The Raiders have won six league games in a row, but despite securing an impressive victory away at Leigh Leopards on the final day of the regular season, they missed out on automatic promotion by the finest of margins as Featherstone Rovers sealed top spot by way of a +5 better points difference.
That means Wilkinson’s squad will now compete in the play-offs as the fight for promotion intensifies this weekend.
The Raiders Ladies welcome Bradford Bulls Women to the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium on Sunday (12pm kick-off), as the first part of a home double-header which will also see Barrow Raiders face York RLFC Knights later in the day.
JOIN US: Events at the Raiders
“The girls have really started to perform with more confidence as a team over the last few weeks, and results have reflected that,” Wilkinson said ahead of Sunday.
“We are in good form going into the play-offs, but we know there are still things to improve. Our focus will be on making those changes before the semi-final.
“It has been a tough season – despite getting six wins on the bounce, the girls have had to work so hard to get the points on the board.
“It has been competitive and challenging in every game, and Bradford will be no different.
“They know how to play for 80 minutes and are a strong, physical side that will come into this game with lots of confidence after a big win against Castleford.”
Despite coming agonisingly close to securing automatic promotion to the league above, Wilkinson believes it will spur her players on ahead of the play-offs.
And with a potentially pivotal day coming up for both the Raiders and Raiders Ladies this Sunday, she is ready to see her side play their part in what could prove to be a day of celebration for the club as a whole.
“It’s always a great atmosphere at the ground when both ourselves and the men’s team are at home,” she added.
BUY TICKETS: York RLFC Knights (H)
“This really could be a historic day for Barrow. The ladies are playing for a place in the Grand Final – a step away from gaining promotion to Super League Group 1, and something that has never been done before in Barrow.
“The girls have it all to do, and this all-Cumbrian side need the fans’ support. They pull on the Raiders shirt every game with pride, and they play with passion for the town and the future of women’s rugby league in Cumbria.
“If you haven’t had the chance to see them play this season, get down early and watch before the men’s game. It should be a really great battle, with so much on the line.”
Barrow Ladies kick-off at midday, with entry priced at £5 before this time. This also includes admission to watch the men’s team later in the afternoon.
Will you win our £25,000 jackpot? Click here to join the Barrow Raiders Lottery!
