Barrow Raiders hoisted themselves up the Championship table with a fine 25-12 home win against Featherstone Rovers.
It had been a really fierce start from both sides as they battled for domination but both defences were solid and determined.
The opening quarter was almost up when the visitors took the lead when Caleb Aekins managed to get through the otherwise faultless home defence to score under the posts. Dan Addy converted.
There really were some big hits going in as both sides went hammer and tongs and there was no further score until just before the hooter.
Barrow spread then ball quickly and effectively for Andrew Bulman to go in at the corner. Ryan Johnston’s conversion levelled the score.
It was Barrow again six minutes into the second half who scored next. Once more some slick handling ended in the hands of Bulman who went in from only a few metres. Johnston converted.
But on 55 minutes Fev were level. Paul Turner finished off a forward charge to score and Addy tacked on the conversion for 12-12.
It only took Barrow four minutes to regain the lead. A huge kick from Brad Walker was chased by swveral players of both sides but it was Shane Toal who gathered to go in for the try, on his 150th career appearance. Johnston put over the conversion.
On 64 minutes Barrow were able to increase their lead with a try from Luke Broadbent after a Featherstone kick had rebounded off Harvey Makin. Johnston converted.
At 24-12 Barrow were looking in charge but ten minutes from time, just for that extra cushion, Brad Walker landed a field goal.
