Report: Hunslet 24-29 Barrow Raiders

Barrow Raiders weathered a late fightback to return to winning ways at Hunslet in Round 7 of the Betfred Championship.

Although the scoring was opened in the match by the boot of Hunslet’s Billy Jowitt, the Raiders notched the first try through Ryan King’s bulldozing effort close to the line.

Ellis Archer, deputing for absent captain Ryan Johnston, converted and then added a further penalty goal shortly before the half-hour to make it a six-point ball game.

Brad Walker stretched that lead further with a drop-goal late in the half, but there was time for another try to be posted as Luke Cresswell took a smart offload from Jarrad Stack and darted over from close range.

A 13-point lead at the break became 19 within five minutes of the restart, Matt Costello making the break and Curtis Teare providing the support to sprint clear and touch down under the posts.

Hunslet responded through half-back Lee Gaskell’s try and a diving finish in the corner from Charlie Graham, but any thoughts of a comeback were quashed when Tee Ritson went over for a fourth try in his last three games.

A Brad Walker penalty goal 10 minutes from time made it 29-12, and although the home side rallied with tries from Graham – another acrobatic finish – and Jowitt, they were unable to complete the turnaround as Paul Crarey’s side hung on for the win.

The Raiders’ next outing sees a long-awaited return home to face Widnes Vikings at the Speed Competitions Stadium on Good Friday, April 3 (3pm kick-off). Tickets are available to buy here.

HUNSLET 24

Tries: Gaskell, Graham (2), Jowitt

Goals: Jowitt (4)

BARROW RAIDERS 29

Tries: King, Cresswell, Teare, Ritson

Goals: Archer (4), B.Walker (2)

Drop-goals: B.Walker