Barrow Raiders withstood a second half fightback from newly-promoted Dewsbury Rams to earn their second successive win in the Betfred Championship.

Despite a strong first half showing leaving the Raiders 26-4 up at the break, they were forced to hang on as a resurgent Dewsbury came to within six points of the Raiders before Ryan Johnston’s late drop-goal clinched victory for the hosts.

It took just five minutes for the Raiders to hit the front as Tom Wilkinson charged his way over under the posts after good probing from the Raiders.

Dewsbury’s response was swift, and Bailey Dawson dived over in the corner for an unconverted score which left the Rams trailing by two.

The Raiders were over again soon after the midway stage of the half as Kavan Rothwell supported Luke Cresswell’s break for the first of two tries the on-loan Leigh Leopards forward would score.

The try of the game came shortly before the half-hour as Luke Broadbent streaked clear to score on his return from suspension, then Rothwell forced his way over not long after to make it an afternoon double.

There was still time for Matt Costello to add his name to the scoresheet, giving the Raiders a 22-point cushion at the midway stage.

The second half was delayed by up to 25 minutes due to a medical emergency in the stands, and when the action was able to continue, it was Dewsbury who came out firing.

Jacob Hookem and Owen Restall scored converted tries to make it a 10-point ball game before Marcus Walker crashed over 13 minutes from time.

Crucially the experienced Paul Sykes missed his conversion, leaving the scoreline 26-20 in the Raiders’ favour.

It would take some dogged work in the final 10 minutes to lay the platform for Johnston putting the game beyond doubt with a late one-pointer – the club’s second in as many matches after Brad Walker sealed victory against York Knights RLFC seven days earlier.

The Raiders’ third home league game in a row takes place next weekend, with Championship returnees Doncaster visiting the Northern Competitions Stadium on Sunday 21 April for a 3pm kick-off.

Match tickets, sponsorship and hospitality packages for that fixture can be purchased here.

BARROW RAIDERS 27

Tries: Tom Wilkinson, Kavan Rothwell 2, Luke Broadbent, Matt Costello

Goals: Ryan Shaw 3

Drop-goals: Ryan Johnston

DEWSBURY RAMS 20

Tries: Bailey Dawson, Jacob Hookem, Owen Restall, Marcus Walker

Goals: Paul Sykes 2

Paul Crarey reaction

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

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