A thrilling second-half fightback from Barrow Raiders saw them overturn a 16-point deficit and clinch a point in a 24-24 draw against Bradford Bulls at the Northern Competitions Stadium.

The Raiders struggled to find a foothold in the early knockings of the clash which allowed the Bulls to run in three unanswered tries within 23 minutes.

Shortly thereafter, a quick play from a Bradford scrum saw the ball find its way over to Okunbor who dropped it under pressure which allowed Ryan Shaw to crash over the line for the Raiders’ first points of the afternoon.

Three minutes later, Luke Broadbent raced away to charge in at the corner, but the visitors had the final say of the first 40 minutes when Keven Appo strolled in over the line to give his side an 18-8 advantage.

With a battle on their hands to overturn the scoreline, the Raiders suffered another blow on the 53rd-minute mark when Kieran Gill fought his way through the Raiders’ defence to score the Bulls’ fifth try.

Undeterred by their 16-point deficit, Barrow hit back through Andrew Bulman, who pounced on a loose ball following a chip to the corner.

Former Raiders’ star Jarrod Sammut lost possession of the ball and allowed Josh Wood to run in under the sticks with 15 minutes to go.

A determined defensive display from Bradford looked as though they would stop the home side’s resurgence to claim the two points, however with just two minutes left on the clock, former Bulls player Max Clarke pounced on a chip through to take his side within two points.

A nervy wait ensued as Ryan Shaw steadied himself for the conversion, and slotted it between the sticks to clinch a huge point for the Raiders in a dramatic encounter at the Northern Competitions Stadium.

Paul Crarey’s men will now turn their attention to another big clash away at Halifax Panthers next Sunday.

BARROW RAIDERS 24

Tries: Shaw, Broadbent, Bulman, Wood, Clarke

Goals: Shaw 2

BRADFORD BULLS 24

Tries: Holmes, Okunbor, Fulton, Appo, Gill

Goals: Lilley 2

Paul Crarey reaction

Raiders head coach Paul Crarey gives his thoughts following Sunday’s draw.

Ryan Shaw reaction

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