Barrow Raiders were comfortable 46-12 winners at Rochdale – after the Hornets had actually scored the first points of the Championship clash.
The visitors were caught out on seven minutes when Jaden Dayes went in under the sticks and Max Flanagan converted.
But it didn’t take long for Barrow to find their stride and they were in themselves four minutes later.
A clever miss-out ball from Luke Cresswell had Luke Broadbent diving over in the corner. Brad Walker’s conversion attempt slid just wide of the post.
Six minutes later they were over again as Matt Costello used his strength and power to make the line and this time Walker’s conversion found the target.
Two minutes later Barrow scored a third try from Ryan Johnston after a neat inside pass from Shane Toal and Walker’s conversion made it 16-6.
Into the second quarter and Barrow increased their lead, as this time Joe Bullock had too much power for the Rochdale defence. Walker converted.
In a brief spell when Rochdale saw a bit more of the ball they scored a second try from Ethan Wood after some slick build-up play and Flanagan added the extras.
But the Raider ended the half with another try as a kick from Walker was followed by Ryan King and he got the touchdown. Walker’s kick made it 28-12 at the break.
A quality move put Ellis Robson in for a try after 53 minutes and Walker made no mistake with the kick.
Barrow only managed two more tries through King and Alex Bishop, with Walker taking his tally to seven out of eight kicks, but it was a comfortable win for Paul Crarey’s men.
Hear Crarey’s view below:
