Barrow Raiders gave their Betfred Championship survival bid a major boost as Ryan Johnston’s last-gasp drop-goal sealed a 23-22 win at local rivals Whitehaven on Monday night.

The result was no less than the Raiders deserved, as a second half fightback saw them recover from 14-10 down to edge the third and final Cumbrian derby of the 2023 season.

Paul Crarey’s men enjoyed a lightning start when captain Jarrad Stack powered his way over from close range after excellent set-up play by Greg Worthington – who started in the front row on his landmark 250th career appearance.

The Whitehaven response was swift, however, as Oscar Doran touched down in the corner after the ball was swung left with 10 minutes gone.

A missed conversion meant the Raiders still led 6-4, and a try from Andrew Bulman against his former club stretched the lead further.

Connor Holliday powered over to reduce the arrears for the hosts on 34 minutes, and a try on the stroke of half-time from former Raider Jake Carter – after an excellent offload from Jamie Doran – saw Whitehaven lead at the interval.

Seven minutes into the second half, the scores were levelled at 14-14 as Tom Wilkinson found his way to the line to score his first Raiders try. Ryan Shaw added the extras to make it 16-14.

A Josh Rourke penalty brought the two teams together again, but a crucial try on the hour mark from Ben Evans saw Barrow restore their advantage.

A converted Ryan King score not long after made it 22-22 as the drama intensified, but in the heat of the battle, it would be the Raiders who kept their cool.

Having missed an earlier drop-goal attempt, as did fellow half-back Adam Jackson in the last few minutes, Johnston slotted over a one-pointer in the dying seconds to snatch the win at the LEL Arena.

The result sees the Raidrs leapfrog Swinton Lions and Keighley Cougars in the league table, ahead of a tough trip to Toulouse Olympique on Saturday.

Tickets for that fixture can be bought here.

WHITEHAVEN 22

Tries: Doran, Holliday, Carter, King

Goals: Rourke 3

BARROW RAIDERS 23

Tries: Stack, Bulman, Wilkinson, Evans

Goals: Shaw 3

Drop-goals: Johnston

Paul Crarey reaction

Head coach Paul Crarey gives his thoughts on the derby day win.

Greg Worthington reaction

Mr versatile Greg Worthington reflects on Monday’s Cumbrian derby victory, and reaching 250 career appearances.

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