Barrow Raiders started the new year with an emphatic 46-6 victory over Rochdale Hornets in their first pre-season fixture ahead of the 2024 Betfred Championship season.

The hosts fired themselves into an early lead after Andrew Bulman, continuing his impressive form from last season, wriggled his way between two defenders to crash over for the Raiders’ first try of the year.

A second try came in quick succession after a fantastic pass from prop forward Tom Walker found Luke Creswell who crashed over the line.

Bulman grabbed his second try of the afternoon 18 minutes in, pulling off some acrobatics to fly in at the corner following a neat passing move through the line.

The Raiders’ fourth try came just before halftime when a mishandling from the Hornets gifted the hosts possession, leading to a break down the left, eventually finding Ryan Johnston, who sprinted 25 metres to crash down by the posts as the Raiders went into the sheds with a 22-0 lead.

The visitors registered the first try of the second half when Josh Andrade capitalised on a penalty following a high tackle from Brett Carter.

Despite this, the Raiders would be undeterred and quickly answered back with a superb try courtesy of Ryan Shaw who intercepted a pass on his own line and darted the full length of the pitch to dive over in the corner.

A break from Luke Broadbent down the left and one down the middle for Brett Carter saw the Raiders extend their lead to 40-6.

Ryan Shaw capped off a fantastic first outing for the hosts when he grabbed his brace following a quick passing move from a scrum seven minutes before full time.

The Raiders are next in action at home to North Wales Crusaders on Saturday 13 January (3:00pm kick-off).

Tickets for the fixture can be bought here.

BARROW RAIDERS 46

Tries: Andrew Bulman 2, Luke Cresswell, Ryan Johnston, Ryan Shaw 2, Luke Broadbent, Brett Carter.

Goals: Ryan Shaw 7

ROCHDALE HORNETS 6

Tries: Josh Andrade

Goals: Martyn Ridyard

Post-match reaction

Hear the thoughts of Raiders head coach Paul Crarey following Sunday’s victory.

Man of the Match

The Blue & White Knights selected half-back Brad Walker as their man of the match following the victory over Rochdale Hornets.

Join the Raid in 2024 – season tickets are on sale now!