Barrow beat neighbours Workington Town 24-12 when the two Cumbrian rivals met for their opening pre-season friendly.
Although Town had scored first it was the hosts who led 12-6 at the break, and although Chris Thorman’s team did level up, it was Barrow who finished the stronger to score two more converted tries.
Oscar Thomas, who has joined Town this season after spending part of last year with Whitehaven, put his new side in front after 16 minutes. It was a good finish, battling through several defenders to make the touchdown, and he converted himself.
It took Barrow to the half hour mark to level up and with the Town defence wrong-footed Ryan Shaw darted down the blindside to score the try which he converted himself.
Just before the half-time hooter Barrow edged in front when Hakim Miloudi danced round the Town defence to score the second try which Shaw converted.
Town were back on terms after 55 minutes when Matty Henson went in by the posts for Thomas to improve with the kick.
It did not take long for Barrow to get themselves back in front for on the hour they scored a third try. Shaw kicked infield for the posts and it was one of the new signings Danny Langtree who was there to dive in for the try. Shaw landed the conversion.
Four minutes from time the game-clinching try came from another debutant. Ellis Gillam, a Barrow lad who started with the Warrington Academy before joining Whitehaven, finished well with a bulldozing run near the line. Shaw added the extras.
Both teams are back in action next week. Barrow entertain Newcastle Thunder while Workington host Whitehaven in the Ike Southward Memorial Trophy.
