Barrow Raiders lost 26-24 in their final game of the season at home to Widnes Vikings – but they are safe to play in the Championship in 2025.
They would have been forced to contest the play-off game with the eventual runners-up to Oldham in League One to see who qualified for the Championship if Swinton had won at Bradford.
But the Lions were well tamed, going down 50-0 at Odsal and they will have to tackle Hunslet or Keighley in the play-off decider.
Barrow were 16-8 down at half-time but in the end there were only two points between them after a spirited Raiders response.
Paul Crarey’s men had started by taking a penalty shot on four minutes and Ryan Shaw obliged for an early lead.
It proved to be a bright start from the Raiders for on seven minutes Luke Cresswell danced round the Vikings defence for a well-taken try which Shaw converted for an 8-0 lead with Widnes still on the bus!
The lead lasted beyond the first quarter but Widnes were building pressure and on 22 minutes Jack Owens was able to twist out of a tackle and get the ball down.
They scored a second try five minuets later when slick handling opened up the Barrow defence for Rhodri Lloyd to get the try and this time Tom Gilmore converted.
Tom Walker was sin-binned for an offence during the build-up to that try but during his absence the 12 men were not breached again. However, a minute before half-time the Vikings did increase their lead when Ryan Lannon powered through two tackles to get the try which Gilmore converted.
Three minutes into the second-half when Barrow were penalised the Vikings opted for the two and Gilmore was on target.
But immediately, on 47 minutes, Barrow were in with Max Clarke dashing in from half-way and Shaw converted to cut the gap to four points.
On the hour, though, Widnes scored a crucial try with Matt Fleming getting the ball away in the tackle and Owens was over for an unconverted try.
Back came Barrow and after Andrew Bulman put in a strong run down the wing he kicked inside for Shaw to gather and score, but unfortunately he was off target with the conversion attempt.
On 68 minutes it was Widnes who were over again, this time after quick hands released Michael Butt to score in the corner.
A big finish was assured on 79 minutes when Jarrad Stack charged up field and put Luke Broadbent in for a try which Shaw converted.
In the time that was left neither side could force another opening and Widnes held on for a narrow win.
