Barrow battled well in France but were beaten 34-10 in their Championship clash with Toulouse Olympique.
The hosts had started strongly and went ahead in the 8th minute after a 50-yard counter out of defence led to Benjamin Laguerre touching down and Jake Shorrocks adding the conversion.
But Barrow hit back well on 15 minutes after the ball was moved sweetly along the line for Andrew Bulman to finish off with the try which Ryan Shaw improved from the touchline.
The Raiders gave as good as they got until the 27th minute when former Ulverston High School pupil Greg Richards barged over from close range. Shorrocks’ conversion went in off a post.
A huge clap of thunder and some heavy rain arrived on the half hour mark but it didn’t affect the intensity of the on-field action.
Raiders had done really well but almost on half-time they conceded again when Anthony Marion charged over for the third French try, converted again by Shorrocks.
Early in the second half Toulouse were reduced to 12 when Marion was sent to the bin for a high tackle on Brett Carter.
After an initial period of Raiders pressure Toulouse came back and Eloi Pelissier used his strength to get over for the try which Shorrocks converted.
On 55 minutes the Raiders had Charlie Emslie stretchered off and within two minutes the hosts were back up in strength as Marion returned to the field.
There was good news, too, for Barrow as Emslie returned to the field after eight minutes of treatment but on 66 minutes the French side scored again when Santo raced through to score an unconverted try.
On 70 minutes Barrow scored their second try after a clever kick from Ryan Johnston was collected by Bulman who got the ball down in the corner but Shaw couldn’t convert.
Three minutes from the end Richards broke a tackle and set-up Pelissier for the final try which Shorrocks converted.
Meanwhile Barrow Raiders utility back Luke Broadbent has signed a new two-year deal, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2025 season.
Broadbent returned to his hometown club ahead of the current Betfred Championship season following his departure from Super League side Warrington Wolves.
He has played across the back-line at different stages of the campaign but has made the full-back spot his own in recent weeks. In total, Broadbent has made 19 appearances for the Raiders in all competitions, scoring eight tries.
In his younger days, the former England Youth (Under 16s) representative played his rugby at Walney Central before leaving Cumbria at the age of 16 to take up a professional deal with Warrington.
Whilst at the Wolves, Broadbent spent time on loan at Whitehaven and Workington Town, making a combined 10 appearances for the two clubs.
After re-signing he said: “I’m over the moon to be staying for another two years. It was a no-brainer to stay at this club. The lads are great and the fans are class.
“I’ve loved being back at my hometown club and enjoying my rugby again. I knew when I signed that all I needed was one chance to show what I’m about, and thankfully that’s what I’ve been able to do.
“I’m motivated not to sit back but keep improving. Paul Crarey and the coaching staff have been great with me and have gotten the best out of me this season.
“I’m still young and have plenty to prove. We are looking at a good run of fixtures to finish the season, so hopefully we can survive at this level and enjoy another season of Championship rugby.”
Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey said: “It is very satisfying to us all that Luke has signed a deal to keep him at the club for the next two seasons.
“Having closely monitored him during pre-season, it was obvious to us that he was going to play a big part in the team this season.
“As the season has gone on, Luke has improved week-on-week and continues to work hard on his game to get even better. Our challenge to Luke is to keep listening and learning, stay focused and become a role model for all our young locals.
“The club will always continue to sign and promote the best of our local talent.”
