Barrow Raiders Ladies were promoted to Group 1 of the Betfred Women’s Super League after coming from behind to beat Leigh Leopards Women 14-8 in Sunday’s promotion play-off final.

In a closely-fought encounter at York’s LNER Community Stadium, a Jodie Litherland penalty goal was all that separated the sides at half-time.

The Leopards began the second half well and a Hattie Dogus double put them 8-2 ahead before the hour mark, but the Raiders Ladies responded soon after as Beth Lindsay powered her way over to the right of the posts.

A successful Litherland conversion made it 8-8, before Jodie Morley came up with the telling contribution with less than 15 minutes to play.

After an extraordinary passage of play which saw the ball moved from side-to-side in search of an opening, Demi Fisher stepped back inside and sent Morley crashing through to score the decisive try.

The Raiders Ladies held on to secure a win which was met by jubilant celebrations from players, coaches and the supporters who made the trip to York.

Sunday’s result means Amanda Wilkinson’s side will join York Valkyrie, St Helens, Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Huddersfield Giants and Featherstone Rovers in an eight-team Group 1 competition next season.

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