Barrow Raiders fell just short against full-time Toulouse Olympique, losing 34-14 in Round 19 of the Betfred Championship.
Following the withdrawal of half-back Alex Bishop in the warm-up, and already without Ryan Johnston for their latest outing, the Raiders were forced into a late reshuffle and went into the game with just one recognised playmaker in Brad Walker, who was originally set to start at loose forward.
An early sin-binning for Curtis Teare gave the visitors numerical advantage, from which they posted the game’s first points as outside back Mathieu Jussaume crashed over.
The Raiders responded midway through the first half as Ellis Robson’s converted try drew the teams level.
Jussaume’s second of the evening restored Toulouse’s advantage, which became 10 points shortly before half-time as a long pass out wide enabled Benjamin Laguerre to touch down unopposed.
A quick start to the second half saw Paul Crarey’s side reduce the arrears, Curtis Teare breaking the line before finding the supporting Luke Broadbent to race over.
Earning a penalty soon after, the Raiders opted to take the two and Walker made no mistake, bringing his side back to within two points.
However, the final 20 minutes belonged to the French side as the Raiders tired.
Paul Ulberg collected Reubenn Rennie’s offload to score just before the hour mark, then there were further tries for Joe Bretherton and Thomas Lacans in the final 10 minutes, adding further gloss to the scoreline.
The Raiders must now prepare for two important away games in the race for the top six, starting against London Broncos on Sunday 3 August. Tickets are available to buy here.
BARROW RAIDERS 14
Tries: Robson, Broadbent
Goals: B.Walker (3)
TOULOUSE OLYMPIQUE 34
Tries: Jussaume (2), Laguerre, Ulberg, Bretherton, Lacans
Goals: Shorrocks (5)
Post-match reaction
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