Barrow’s return to the Championship was witnessed by 1,927 fans who saw the Furness side record a 22-10 home win over Sheffield.
It wasn’t the most entertaining of opening day clashes but that was largely down to the foul weather conditions of wind and rain.
The Eagles had been first on the scoreboard when they had the tonic of a try in the fifth minute when Ben Jones-Bishop crossed in the corner for an unconverted try.
Ellis Gillam, who has joined his hometown club from Whitehaven had scored in both the pre-season friendlies and he was over again on 10 minutes after charging through the Sheffield defence, Ryan Shaw kicked Barrow ahead with the conversion.
The Eagles were reduced to 12 men after 16 minutes when Joel Farrell was sin-binned for as high shot on Jarrad Stack.
Four minutes later Shaw kicked a penalty when Sheffield had paid the price for a blatant late shot.
When they were back to full strength Sheffield scored and the returning player Joel Farrell had a hand in it with a strong break through the home defence. Anthony Thackeray finished off and Isaac Farrell put his side ahead with the conversion.
In a dramatic finish to the half Barrow scored twice in four minutes to take an 18-10 lead into the break.
First it was Hakim Miloudi who made a superb run before kicking ahead and Tee Ritson had the pace to chase, collect and score. Shaw converted.
Then Miloudi picked-up a loose ball 30 yards out and he had the pace to make the line, finishing off with an exaggerated somersault dive. Shaw’s kick was wide.
Unfortunately for Barrow they had to play the last two minutes of the half with 12 men as Sam Brooks was sent to the bin for a high shot.
Sheffield were unable to make their extra man tell and soon after Brooks’ return Barrow increased their lead with a Shaw penalty after yet another high shot.
In very testing weather conditions Barrow were prepared to take any opportunity to inch further clear and after 62 minutes Shaw kicked another penalty.
That proved to be the final scoring act in the game as Barrow reached the finish line with no serious alarms.
