Barrow Raiders produced one of their performances of the season to down high-flying Sheffield Eagles 8-6 in Round 16 of the Betfred Championship.
After three successive defeats, it took a performance of real grit and doggedness to overcome the Eagles, with the only two tries of the game coming in the opening 40.
It took until the midway point of the half for the Raiders to post first points, Luke Broadbent making a sensational break down the right before teeing up Luke Cresswell on his inside to score.
Ryan Shaw’s missed conversion meant the lead was just four, and a touch of fortune allowed Sheffield to hit the front shortly before the break as Brad Walker’s kick was charged down and ricocheted kindly for Joel Farrell, who scooped up the loose ball and raced away to score.
A penalty in front of the posts on the stroke of half-time allowed the Raiders to bring out the kicking tee, with Shaw levelling the scores at 6-6.
After a real arm wrestle of a second half, the decisive points came 12 minutes from time, again via the boot of Shaw.
There were still chances for both teams as the game wore on. Sheffield asked real questions of the Raiders defence, but they stood up to the task to hang on to a crucial two competition points.
The Raiders are back on the road next Sunday, with a trip to Doncaster coming up. Tickets for that fixture can be purchased here.
BARROW RAIDERS 8
Tries: Cresswell
Goals: Shaw 2
SHEFFIELD EAGLES 6
Tries: Farrell
Goals: Aston
Paul Crarey reaction
Raiders head coach Paul Crarey reacts to Sunday’s victory at the Northern Competitions Stadium.
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