Report: Whitehaven 12-18 Barrow Raiders

Barrow Raiders booked their place in the knockout stages of the 1895 Cup after coming from behind to beat local rivals Whitehaven 18-12 at the Ortus Rec.

A close range effort from new recruit Max Clarke – his second in as many games for the club – was all that separated the sides in a closely-fought first half.

Australian half-back Lachlan Hanneghan put the home side ahead short after the restart, having capitalised on a kick towards the in-goal area which ricocheted back off the post pad.

That put Haven 6-4 up, but Ryan Shaw knocked over a penalty goal less than 10 minutes later to level the scores.

Ryan King restored Whitehaven’s advantage before the hour mark after crashing over, but the lead wouldn’t last for long as the Raiders’ pressure paid dividends.

Matt Costello crossed 13 minutes from time after good work around the ruck from Josh Wood. Shaw’s conversion made it 12-12 and set up a grandstand finish.

Paul Crarey’s side continued to apply pressure and bagged the winning score six minutes from time when James Greenwood latched onto the end of Brad Walker’s dangerous grubber through the defensive line.

The Raiders hung on and have now won both of their 1895 Cup group stage games, meaning their spot in the last eight of the competition is assured.

The squad will now switch focus to next Saturday when League 1 Oldham make the trip to Craven Park in the Betfred Challenge Cup third round – a game which will be broadcast live by the BBC.

Kick-off next Saturday is at 12:30pm, and tickets are available to buy here.

WHITEHAVEN 12

Tries: Lachlan Hanneghan, Ryan King

Goals: Jake Carter 2

BARROW RAIDERS 18

Tries: Max Clarke, Matt Costello, James Greenwood

Goals: Ryan Shaw 3