Barrow Raiders’ 2023 season got off to a losing start as they were beaten 24-4 by Toulouse Olympique.
Against the side relegated from Super League last season, the Raiders got off to a slow start, were duly punished and left themselves with too much of a mountain to climb.
The French side ran in six tries in total, none of which were converted.
They found themselves 12-0 ahead inside 15 minutes as Olly Ashall-Bott, the debuting Reuben Rennie and Ben Laguerre all crossed.
However, a well-worked play down the left edge saw winger Ryan Shaw dive over for the Raiders’ first try of the new campaign midway through the first half.
The scoreline would remain at 12-4 until just before half-time when former St Helens forward Dominique Peyroux powered his way over from close range.
Laguerre grabbed his second of the afternoon 10 minutes into the second half, and despite missing all of his conversion attempts, Jake Shorrocks rounded off the scoring with a four-pointer of his own inside the final quarter.
The Raiders are next in action at home to Sheffield Eagles on Sunday 12 February (3:00pm kick-off).
Tickets for the fixture can be bought here.
BARROW RAIDERS 4
Tries: Ryan Shaw
Goals: N/A
TOULOUSE OLYMPIQUE 24
Tries: Olly Ashall-Bott, Reuben Rennie, Ben Laguerrre 2, Dominique Peyroux, Jake Shorrocks
Goals: N/A
Post-match reaction
Head coach Paul Crarey reacts to Saturday’s defeat.
Buy tickets for our upcoming home matches at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium!