Report: Barrow Raiders 32-14 Swinton Lions

Barrow Raiders booked their place in the Betfred Challenge Cup fourth round with a 32-14 victory at home to Swinton Lions.

The result was a welcome sight for Paul Crarey’s squad after a tough start to the league season.

It also helped the Raiders avenge their 20-18 defeat at Heywood Road in Round 3 of the Betfred Championship last month.

A slow start from the Raiders meant the visitors found themselves 10-0 ahead inside the opening 15 minutes, with Rhodri Lloyd crossing twice for the Lions.

However, the home side responded midway through the first half when Danny Langtree stormed his way through the defensive line to score.

A fine finish in the corner from Ryan Shaw soon made it 10-10, and he converted his own try to put the Raiders in front for the first time.

It would be a lead they would not relinquish, with Shaw adding a further penalty goal on the stroke of half-time before Ryan Johnston dived under the posts to make it 20-10 four minutes after the interval.

Ben Evans was soon in on the act as he finished off Langtree’s break to score his first try in Barrow Raiders colours.

Having made two early try-saving tackles, full-back Luke Broadbent then capped off a magnificent display with a try eight minutes from time.

Kenny Baker grabbed a late consolation for the Lions, but it mattered little as the Raiders secured their first victory of the 2023 season.

The draw for the fourth and fifth rounds of the competition will be made on Wednesday.

Paul Crarey’s side are next in action away at Batley Bulldogs on Monday 20 March (7:45pm kick-off). The match will also be broadcast live on Viaplay Sports.

BARROW RAIDERS 32

Tries: Langtree, Shaw, Johnston, Evans, Broadbent

Goals: Shaw 6

SWINTON LIONS

Tries: Lloyd 2, Baker

Goals: Abram

Post-match reaction

Paul Crarey gives his reaction to Sunday’s Challenge Cup third round win.

Man of the Match

Matchday sponsors Steve Woods Ltd selected Luke Broadbent as their Man of the Match.

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