Barrow Raiders were beaten in 1895 Cup at London Broncos but put up a spirited performance in defeat.
It finished 36-10 but it was a brave effort by a patched-up Barrow against a strong London side who look favourites for the Championship title.
Barrow did well enough in defence against a physical London side but made too many errors of their own making when they had the ball.
It was the worst possible start for Barrow as the Broncos scored after only three minutes when Epel Kapinias barged his way over – a method of try-scoring which proved fruitful for the home side during the game. Gairo Voro converted.
Barrow were given hope on 14 minutes when a long pass from Ryan Johnston found Tee Ritson who stepped outside the defence to dive over. Brad Walker could not add the extras from wide out.
London scored again on 23 minutes when Liam Tindall intercepted a Barrow pass and raced 30 metres for the try which Voro converted.
The lead was extended six minutes later when Elliot Wallis made a break and somehow giot through several would-be tacklers ton score near the posts for Voro to convert.
Barrow stayed strong from that point and it was still 18-4 at half-time – but in the second-half the Broncos added 18 further points before Barrow scored late-on.
Brandon Webster-Mansfield (46), Marcus Stock (53) and Lewis Bienek (61) all scored tries, converted by Voro before good handling by Barrow put Ritson in for his second try on 77 minutes. Walker converted.
Coach Paul Crarey, who has been named Citizen of the Year in the Love Barrow Awards, shares his thoughts on the game and his award below:
