There’s a double header for Barrow rugby league fans on Sunday – and the chance to see history made.
The Raiders host county rivals Workington Town in the Betfred Championship at 3pm but the day’s action starts with an historic clash for the club’s Ladies team at 12 noon.
The Raiders Ladies have been getting ready for their inaugural game in the Betfred Women’s Super League against Warrington Wolves.
They were promoted ahead of the 2022 campaign and will compete in Group 2 of the competition alongside Bradford Bulls, Featherstone Rovers, Leigh Miners Rangers, Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves.
A number of pre-season friendlies and Betfred Challenge Cup fixtures – including against last season’s treble winners St Helens – have helped coach Amanda Wilkinson’s squad prepare for the task at hand.
Wilkinson admits there is plenty of excitement ahead of Sunday, but warns that her players must remain focused on their individual duties rather than the occasion.
She told the club’s website: “I’m really looking forward to getting the season started. I’ve really enjoyed my journey so far with the club, and being a Cumbrian I’m honoured to coach the ladies in their first ever Super League game.
“There is a real buzz about the team, with lots of mixed emotions, both excitement and nerves.
“We have such a passionate team that wears the Barrow badge with such pride, and to be running out on home soil in front of the fans in the first-ever Super League game for Barrow is going to be a very special occasion.
“It is my job, along with my coaching staff this week, to keep them focused on the performance and prepare them well so they can be the best they can be.”
The Raiders Ladies have had two pre-season friendlies – an 18-14 victory over the UK Armed Forces and a 22-6 defeat to Huddersfield Giants – giving Wilkinson a chance to assess her squad.
And despite bowing out of the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup group stages last month, Wilkinson is confident that her side will be all the better for their competitive experiences, which included a 68-0 defeat at home to St Helens.
She said: “It has been a long pre-season and the players have worked hard and made so many gains, both mentally and physically.
“It’s been great to see them improve each week. The friendlies were a great measure to see where we had come as a team, and I was happy with the performances.
“The Challenge Cup draw was a great experience for the team. There was no easy game, but I was more than impressed with the attitude and desire in all three games.
“The players had such a good team spirit and worked for each other for 80 minutess. We know we still have a lot to improve, but we are ready to be challenged.”
Warrington Wolves ran out 36-16 winners when the sides met at the end of March and despite coming into their debut Super League season as underdogs, Wilkinson has urged her side to focus on getting themselves in the best possible condition.
She concluded: “Warrington are a strong and confident team, with plenty of experienced players. We know where their strengths and weaknesses are, but we will stay focused on getting our performance right.
“We will need to be technically, tactically and physically prepared and be at our best.”
