It was a tough day at the office for Paul Crarey and his men at Widnes as Barrow Raiders opened the Championship season with a 44-8 defeat.
In fact it was Barrow who put the first points on the board after four minutes when Ryan Shaw booted over a penalty from 30 metres.
But after 11 minutes Widnes were in front with a try from Mike Butt after he took a looping pass to score in the corner.
Four minutes later a missed tackle in mid-field cost Barrow dearly as Widnes surged on to score a second try through Sam Wilde which Tom Gilmore converted.
Another error, this time in dealing with a chip through, allowed Widnes to score a third try from Rhodri Lloyd on 24 minutes and Gilmore converted.
Two minutes before the break Barrow got back into the contest. A lovely from Brad Walker saw Ryan Johnston climb highest to collect and score their try which Shaw converted.
Trailing 16-8 at half-time meant Barrow were still very much in the contest, but their challenge unravelled in the second-half.
Former Barrow forward Danny Langtree went over from close range and Gilmore added the extras.
Four minutes later Barrow were hit hard when both Brad Walker and Shaw were sent to the sin bin, and Walker’s yellow then became red as he exited.
It was all going wrong now and Greg Burke was stretchered off on the hour while skipper Jarrad Stack was also sent to the sin bin along with the Vikings’ Ryan Ince.
Short of numbers out wide Barrow paid the price when Mike Butt scored in the corner and he was followed over by Joe Edge, with Gilmore converting again.
There was still time right near the end for Edge and Gilmore to cross for further tries with Gilmore ending the game with six conversions.
Disappointed coach Paul Crarey said: “It wasn’t what we expected to be honest, especially after going two points up and working the rucks well.
“We found ourselves 16-2 down after penalties and a poor try conceded from an unfielded kick but we clawed our way back with a try after three repeat sets.
“But the game turned when we lost Greg Burke and Aaron Smith to injury and then had Ryan Shaw and Jarrad Stack yellow-carded, while Brad Walker was shown a red.
“That put us down to ten men at one point and Widnes took control, scoring some nice tries on numbers. It was a disappointing afternoon for us, where discipline cost us dearly.”
