Barrow Raiders went down 36-24 at home to Toulouse Olympique in their latest Betfred Championship.
That represented a spirited fight-back by Paul Crarey’s men as they had trailed 22-0 at half-time.
The visitors had scored four tries from Paul Marcon, and a Paul Ulberg double, either side of Ryan Rivett’s effort.
Despite rallying well and outscoring their full-time opponents in the second 40, the damage had already been done and it sets up a key game next week – a Cumbrian derby against fellow strugglers Whitehaven.
The fight-back had been started six minutes into the second half when Jamie Pye charged over from close range, with Ryan Shaw converting.
Olly Ashall-Bott then scored again for the French side but Brad Walker reduced the arrears shortly after the hour mark to make it 28-12.
It didn’t take long for Shaw to bring the hosts back to within 10, supporting Brett Carter to make it 28-18.
The visitors were handed a penalty with five minutes to go and opted to take the two, moving 12 points ahead. Shortly after, they confirmed the win as fast hands saw Benjamin Laguerre cross out wide.
Barrow had the last word however as they kept the ball alive after the final hooter had sounded and Carter crossed in the corner.
