The fight for Betfred Championship survival took another twist as Barrow Raiders squandered a 10-point lead and fell to a 26-20 defeat at Keighley Cougars.
In a game which could have serious ramifications for both teams, the Raiders led 20-10 at half-time but failed to score a point after the break as a devastating 15-minute spell saw the hosts turn the game on its head before the hour mark.
A Ryan Shaw penalty opened the scoring eight minutes into the contest, and not long after that, the Raiders would post their first try of the day.
Ryan Johnston’s kick through the defensive line was a teasing one, and Andrew Bulman won the footrace to score for the Raiders and extend his fine recent run of form.
Shane Toal exited the field under HIA protocols midway through the half, and four minutes after that, Charlie Graham collected a high ball and responded with a try for the Cougars.
Bulman stretched the Raiders’ lead with a fine finish in the corner after quick hands from Brett Carter – Toal’s replacement – and a try on the stroke of half-time from Josh Wood after Ben Evans’ kick through the line cancelled out Junior Sa’u’s earlier effort for Keighley and saw the visitors go into the break 20-10 ahead.
The game turned before the hour mark, as Lewis Young crashed over before a converted Dan Parker effort levelled the scores at 20-20.
Jack Bibby then burst through the line to put Keighley ahead, and they held onto their six-point advantage until the end to collect two crucial competition points.
The Raiders remain third-bottom in the Championship table, a point ahead of Swinton Lions who visit the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium in a pivotal clash next Sunday.
Tickets for that fixture can be bought here.
KEIGHLEY COUGARS 26
Tries: Graham, Sa’u, Young, Parker, Bibby
Goals: Spence, Rush 2
BARROW RAIDERS 20
Tries: Bulman 2, Wood
Goals: Shaw 4
Post-match reaction
Head coach Paul Crarey reacts to Sunday’s defeat.
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