All roads lead to Headingley this weekend as Barrow Raiders prepare to face in-form Widnes Vikings at the 2022 Betfred Championship Summer Bash.
With four straight wins under their belt, Paul Crarey’s side will be full of confidence as they look to further consolidate a play-off spot with seven rounds of the regular season left to play.
Last Sunday’s victory over Bradford Bulls means a third win in 2022 over the Vikings would give the Raiders a nine-point cushion in the battle for a place in the top six.
The game also forms part of a Raiders double-header, with Amanda Wilkinson’s Ladies side kicking off Day 2 of the Summer Bash when they face Featherstone Rovers Ladies in the Betfred Women’s Super League.
The Opposition
Since the arrival of former Bradford Bulls boss John Kear at the beginning of July, Widnes have turned their fortunes around.
Like the Raiders, they remain unbeaten in July. Their most recent win came away at play-off chasing Batley Bulldogs, with the Vikings coming from 18-6 behind at half-time to win 24-18.
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Their squad is filled to the brim with a wealth of Super League and Championship experience, including two-time Grand Final winner and Super League Dream Team inductee Matty Smith.
The Vikings are flying high ahead of Sunday’s Championship showdown, making them an extremely tough proposition for the Raiders to deal with.
Paul Crarey preview
Raiders head coach Paul Crarey gave his thoughts ahead of Sunday’s fixture.
Clinical. Patient. Methodical.#SummerBash pic.twitter.com/FWTcTQYNKg
— Barrow Raiders (@BarrowRaiders) July 28, 2022
Ryan Johnston preview
Barrow Raiders are relishing the opportunity to extend their winning streak against in-form Widnes Vikings at the Summer Bash, according to half-back Ryan Johnston.
The Raiders will arrive at Headingley having won four consecutive matches – their best form since the opening weeks of the campaign.
Ahead of their mouth-watering clash, Johnston insists the Raiders are ready for the task at hand. Read more here!
Ladies preview
Barrow Raiders Ladies are ready to help put the town on the map in women’s rugby league when they kick off Day 2 of the 2022 Betfred Championship Summer Bash, says forward Vanessa Temple. Read more here!
Match Information
Sunday’s fixture at Headingley takes place at 1:45pm.
For Raiders supporters still wanting to attend, individual day tickets are still available to purchase through the RFL website.
Buy tickets for our next home game against Featherstone Rovers!