Barrow Raiders 24 vs 12 Workington Town
Northern Competitions Stadium, Barrow.
Plenty of positives despite loss.
That was the message of Town assistant Dean Marrwood following the season opener at Barrow Raiders.
Paul Crarey and Barrow welcomed Cumbrian counterparts Workington Town and Jonty Gorley to the Northern Competitions Stadium on Sunday as the visitors began their 2025 season.
For the home side this was their second pre season friendly having played Whitehaven on Tuesday in a re-arranged fixture due to the big freeze, it was far from a cold performance from the Raiders on Tuesday as they were ruthless in putting nine tries past a new look Whitehaven side.
For Town they will be looking to have a tilt at the League One title this season and securing a high position in the returning Super 8s system.
They will aim do this with a plethora of Championship experience with the likes of Guy Graham, Ross Ainley, Callum Phillips, and Rio Corkhill amongst others in Jonty Gorley’s ranks.
Add to that the ridiculous speed of Maltese International Zarrin Galea and strength and agility of new overseas signing, Levi Atiga in the back line and it isn’t hard to see why the blue and white wall of Town fans are optimistic (despite this being a potential transitional season with a new coaching team Jonty Gorley, Carl Forber and Dean Marwood along with over 14 new faces at the Fibrus Community Stadium) about 2025.
It would be the boot of Zarrin Galea to kick the 2025 season off, with Barrow making 80 meters off their first set on a heavy pitch, with Town making 70 meters of their own.
Barrow made mistake one of the game when a lose pass was collected by Spencer Fulton ran through with Zarrin Galea on his toes. A tackle later Copper Howlett was over for Town’s opening score of 2025, as Archer tagged on the two for 0-6 inside as many minutes.
Barrow were nearly through on 11 minutes when a neat pass from Cresswell fell to the floor and Town were further reprieved when a penalty was awarded for a high shot on Galea. This resulted in a seven-tackle set when a hack forward from Barnes was too heavy.
On 16 minutes Barrow levelled the scores when a penalty from Town saw Bradley Walker cross for the hosts first try.
Barrow then took the lead on 21 for the first time as Emsile powered through a tiring middle as the substitute targeted the posts, Walker converting for 12-6.
Town were awarded a penalty for a high shot on Corkhill and turned the hosts over inside their 10.
Barrow on 31 minutes threw a pass that looked to cut open the Town left edge but was adjudged forward by Mr Bland.
Town were then awarded a penalty for a late hit on Weir. Town played the set out as stand out player in the first half Spencer Fulton crashed over outwide, Archer going 2/2 for 12-12 on 35 minutes.
Town then made 80 meters off the restart to try and condense the Raiders before a dubious ball steal penalty sent the Raiders over halfway. Town were then awarded a penalty for a forward pass and the half ended at 12-12.
The second half started news of a concussion to Alex Bishop as Town made 90 meters.
On 45 minutes Jonny Hutton saved a sure try with a fantastic tackle on Walker.
Barrow then enjoyed their best spell of the second half to score on 49 minutes through Town’s own ill-discipline Walker missing the kick for 16-12 on 50 minutes.
On 52 minutes Barrow forced a dropout as they seemed to get a second wind. The hosts looked to go back-to-back but for a forward pass.
On 56 minutes Barrow were awarded a penalty for offside as Town looked under the pump before a Barrow knock on, Town then repaid the favour as Finnlay Goodings knocked on, as Barrow threw the speculator again as it landed closer to Holker Street than Andrew Bulman.
As the hour passed Town failed to complete 5 sets as Barrow scored again for 20-12 through Dan Knott who scored his third in a week.
On 66 minutes Town were given a penalty as Barrow were offside. Town looked to make good yards until Ciaran Walker ran into Ryan King who put the Town back into touch.
The sea-saw continued when Cooper Howlett forced a knock on from Dan Knott on 69 minutes.
A poor pass from Jamie Doran saw Grant Reid Knock on around halfway to give the Raiders possession.
With seven minutes to go Barrow scored the game clincher as Town’s inability to complete their own yardage sets saw Ruddy go over for 24-12 as Curtis Teare created his own water-splash moment missing from in front.
The game then went back and forth with Barrow pressing the issue but unable to add to the score.
Attendance 1,385.
Referee: L. Bland (Batley)
Man of the match: Barrow: Ryan King. Town: Spencer Fulton.
