Barrow Raiders produced a stunning second half display, scoring 30 unanswered points as they beat local rivals Whitehaven 40-6 in the Betfred Championship. 

A fine opening 10 minutes saw the hosts race into a 10-0 lead, courtesy of tries from Tee Ritson and Jarrod Sammut. 

However, a converted Connor Holliday score on the stroke of half-time brought the visitors right back into the contest.

It took just four minutes of the second half for experienced forward Greg Burke to crash over on his Raiders debut, and further scores soon followed.

Fellow Salford Red Devils loanee Matty Costello capitalised on a mistake from the visitors to extend the advantage, and a flowing move just before the hour mark saw Sammut bag his second of the afternoon. 

With Whitehaven down to 12 men following the sin-binning of Ryan King, Ritson made the most of the Raiders’ numerical advantage to double his try tally, and there was still time for Anton Iaria to muscle his way over for his third try of the season with three minutes remaining.

Sunday’s result means the Raiders remain sixth in the Betfred Championship table, one point behind Halifax Panthers.

More importantly, however, Bradford Bulls’ heavy defeat to Newcastle Thunder on Friday night means Paul Crarey’s side hold a five-point advantage over seventh-placed Bradford Bulls in the race for a play-off spot. 

Up next is a trip to Sheffield Eagles, another of the sides looking to catch the Raiders. 

BARROW RAIDERS 40

Tries: Tee Ritson 2, Jarrod Sammut 2, Greg Burke, Matty Costello, Anton Iaria

Goals: Ryan Shaw 6

WHITEHAVEN 6

Tries: Connor Holliday

Goals: Nikau Williams

Paul Crarey reaction

We caught up with Raiders boss Paul Crarey following Sunday’s impressive victory.

Get your tickets for Sunday’s trip to Sheffield Eagles!