Report: Barrow Raiders 26-14 Wigan Warriors

An outstanding display saw Barrow Raiders round off preparations for the new season with a 26-14 victory at home to five-time Super League champions Wigan Warriors. 

Against a Wigan side boasting a number of recognisable names with Super League experience, the Raiders produced a dazzling second half performance to record their second victory from three pre-season friendlies, with the other fixture abandoned early in the second half due to floodlighting issues out of the club’s control.

After a scoreless opening 30 minutes, the visitors took the lead when Lebanon international Abbas Miski squeezed over in the corner after some excellent defensive work initially from the home side.

However, the Raiders responded on the stroke of half-time through Rio Corkill, who finished off a slick team move after the hooter had sounded. 

Six minutes after the break, Luke Broadbent dived over in the corner, with Ryan Shaw adding the extras to make it 10-6. 

A converted Tom Forber try brought the Warriors level, but quickfire scores from Jake Carter and Ryan Shaw saw Paul Crarey’s side move clear. 

A second of the day for Miski set up a grandstand final 10 minutes, only for Luke Cresswell to settle the contest two minutes from time after a fantastic break from young Ellis Archer had laid the platform for the full-back to cross out wide.

The Raiders are next in action at home to Toulouse Olympique on Saturday 4 February (3:00pm kick-off) in Round 1 of the Betfred Championship season. 

Tickets for the fixture can be bought here.

BARROW RAIDERS 26

Tries: Rio Corkill, Luke Broadbent, Jake Carter, Ryan Shaw, Luke Cresswell

Goals: Ryan Shaw 3

WIGAN WARRIORS 14

Tries: Abbas Miski 2, Tom Forber

Goals: Zach Eckersley 

Post-match reaction

Head coach Paul Crarey gives his thoughts on Sunday’s victory.