WELL, this is it - the final game of the season and the most important for a few seasons.

One victory away from the Championship, but we are having to do it the hard way with a quick return trip to Toulouse.

Rochdale have already taken the first promotion place after their ‘shock in the sun’ victory a couple of weeks ago, winning 24-22 against a previously unbeaten Toulouse team who had slain all before them.

This included two previous victories against Barrow Raiders; one at Craven Park where Toulouse turned it on and left with an impressive 44-16 result, and again only three weeks ago when a weakened Barrow team put up a spirited performance only losing 44-22.

So, can we do it? After last week’s impressive performance against Doncaster 46-6, I would say definitely ‘yes, of course we can.’

The first half was a bit scrappy and for a 10-minute period during that first half, Barrow had to defend resolutely to keep Doncaster out and restrict them to just one score.

Doncaster were off-loading for fun and this was one negative aspect of Barrow’s game that we witnessed. Once the initial tackle was made, it was absolutely crucial that the nearby defenders focused on preventing the off-load, but unfortunately during this period Barrow struggled. This must not happen on Saturday afternoon.

Barrow could have scored many more tries, but a little bit of sloppiness crept in with a number of tries disallowed for a forward pass or some mishandling at crucial plays.

However, Barrow made Doncaster look very ordinary and they were becoming very frustrated with their lack of progress and resorted to a bit of ‘thuggery’ on a number of occasions towards the end of the game.

To Barrow’s credit, they kept their discipline and let the ball do the talking. Based on that performance, I am mystified how Doncaster managed to finish fourth.

Meanwhile, York City Knights had to travel to Toulouse via Barcelona with only 12 fit men. How ridiculous was that?

Sylvain Houles, the Toulouse coach, said: “It was embarrassing. York should never had been put in this position and lessons have to be learned from this.”

One of the key lessons Sylvain should have learned was: You should have beaten Rochdale!

Seriously though, if York could only muster 12 men then the RFL should have stepped in and said no game. York put up a creditable performance and did lose eventually 62-10, but the most interesting statistic was the attendance.

Only 400 supporters bothered to turn up, following the previous week’s defeat against Rochdale in front of 3500 fans. Where did they all go and I wonder how many will turn up tomorrow?

Following the RFL’s efforts to arrange suitable transport at a reasonable time, there will be no work issues to contend with. Therefore Barrow will be travelling to France with a full-strength squad and the best preparation possible.

The RFL have chartered a plane that flies from Manchester to Toulouse tomorrow morning and returns home the same night. The club have also allowed 35 supporters on travel on board also, but apparently they must bring their own parachute!

So well done to the RFL. No-one was looking forward to the same route York had to take and this direct solution offers Barrow the best chance of victory.

Barrow know that victory will only be achieved if the players perform at their peak and play the perfect game. Toulouse are not the force they were and Barrow’s experience in France only three weeks ago should provide them with the no-fear-factor as they know exactly what to expect.

If Barrow can keep it tight in the early stages, I am convinced Toulouse will panic and we will be able capitalise on their mistakes just like Rochdale did and come strong at the end.

Best wishes to all concerned with the club. Come on, let’s go for it!