A second-half fightback from Widnes Vikings was enough to condemn Barrow Raiders to a 20-14 defeat in Round 22 of the Betfred Championship.
In hot conditions at the Northern Competitions Stadium, the Raiders started well and found themselves 8-0 ahead at half-time, thanks to Tee Ritson’s finish in the corner and four points from the boot of Brad Walker.
After the break, the play-off-chasing Vikings found a way back into the contest through former Whitehaven man Jake Maizen.
The visitors were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage midway through the second half when half-back Ryan Johnston was sent to the sin-bin, but they did enough to wear the Raiders down in the Cumbrian sunshine and eventually hit the front 15 minutes from time.
A trademark dart close to the line from experienced hooker Matty Fozard, plus Will Roberts’ conversion, put the Vikings ahead by two.
Joe Edge’s long-range effort made it 16-8 soon after, then another break was finished off by Nick Gregson three minutes from time as the visitors made sure of the win.
Still, Paul Crarey’s men refused to give up without a fight and had the final say in the contest, Joe Bullock powering his way over, just days after agreeing a move to the club on a permanent basis.
The Raiders’ run-in continues next Sunday with a trip to Doncaster. Tickets are available to buy here.
BARROW RAIDERS 14
Tries: Ritson, Bullock
Goals: B.Walker (3)
WIDNES VIKINGS 20
Tries: Maizen, Fozard, Edge, Gregson
Goals: Roberts (2)
Post-match reaction
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