Barrow Raiders put in a determined display in the South of France but were beaten 34-10 by Toulouse Olympique at Albi’s Stade Mazicou.
Against full-time opposition, the Raiders gave a good account of themselves and were level at one stage midway through the first half before the French side opened up an insurmountable lead.
A long-range effort from Ben Laguerre put Toulouse ahead with less than 10 minutes played, but the response was quick and excellent hands saw winger Andrew Bulman cross out wide for the Raiders.
Furness-born Greg Richards powered over to restore the hosts’ lead, and an Anthony Marion try on the stroke of half-time, converted by Jake Shorrocks, made it 18-6 at the break.
Eloi Pelissier stretched the lead further in the early knockings of the second half, and it took until 14 minutes from time for Zac Santo to make it 28-6 as Olympique scored again.
Not one to go down without a fight, the Raiders scored a late consolation as Bulman gathered Ryan Johnston’s kick to the corner and spun his way over.
The home side had the last word, however, as Pelissier grabbed his second, but that did nothing to dent the spirits of those who made the trip across the channel to support the Raiders.
After having some time to recover, the Raiders will re-focus on next Sunday’s huge clash with Keighley Cougars.
Tickets for our trip to Cougar Park can be bought here.
TOULOUSE OLYMPIQUE 34
Tries: Laguerre, Richards, Marion, Pelissier 2, Santo
Goals: Shorrocks 5
BARROW RAIDERS 10
Tries: Bulman 2
Goals: Shaw
Post-match reaction
Hear from Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey and captain for the day, Ryan Johnston, following Saturday’s defeat at the Stade Mazicou.
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