THE Barrow v Workington derby has always been tasty, and this time was no exception.

Barrow were always in control and the game was put to bed at half-time, with them leading 24-4.

The second half was a lot closer and degenerated into a bit of a slug-fest, with sin-bins and sendings-off, but Barrow managed the intimidation and kept their heads (just), running out comfortable winners 36-14.

Special mention to Oliver Wilkes, who had his best game to date, finishing off with a good try when he powered over near the sticks; and the improving Shane Toal, who scored one of the tries of the season with a 40-metre dash to the line, leaving rapid Town full-back Tee Ritson in his wake.

Workington couldn’t get going and repeat some of the form of recent weeks, although half-back Jamie Doran was impressive.

The defeat left Workington with nothing to play for in their last two games, but this season was always going to be a challenge after relegation, and ex-Raiders coach Dave Clark has stabilised the team and developed a solid foundation to build on.

They are at home to local neighbours Whitehaven in their last game next week, and that should be another tasty affair.

Barrow move onwards and upwards and, barring total disaster in our last two games, second place is virtually assured.

This means a home semi-final against the team finishing fifth, which looks like Doncaster. Victory against the Dons guarantees a home final against either Whitehaven or York.

Barrow set off for Canada on Thursday morning for the second time this season, and tonight play Toronto Wolfpack.

They are hoping to spoil the Toronto promotion party, because victory for the Wolfpack means they are champions and gain automatic promotion.

Barrow are leaving a few players at home for various reasons, and it is an opportunity for some of the fringe players to put pressure on as we move towards the semi-final.

Victory is unlikely, but it would be good if we could put up a better performance than the last visit, when we were well beaten 70-2.

A solid professional performance is expected and all the pressure is on Toronto.

They have stumbled through the Super Eights, and following defeat against York and a draw at Keighley, Whitehaven ran them close last week. With 20 minutes left, they were trailing only 20-18, so there’s no reason we can’t do the same.

There should be a full-house of 10,000, so all I would say is play smart and enjoy the experience.

Our final Super Eights match is at home to Keighley, who were surprisingly hammered by Newcastle last week. That result means if Doncaster beat Newcastle tomorrow at the Keepmoat, they will be guaranteed fifth irrespective of Keighley’s result at home to Workington.

The other fixture is Whitehaven at home to York, and it will be interesting to see how much the Canada jolly has taken out of Karl Forster’s men, because York are capable of taking any advantage and it’s highly likely this will be a dress rehearsal for the semi-final.

Congratulations go to Joe Bullock for his nomination for League One player-of-the-year.

Joe always gives his best, and has been a revelation with his work-rate and his bustling forward runs. He is the quality of player we need should we get promotion, so hopefully Joe will be a Barrow player for many seasons to come.

Finally, congratulations to coach Paul Crarey for his coach-of-the-year nomination. Thoroughly deserved, Paul and his coaching staff have put the hours in over the last three years, building a strong foundation for the future and a team within touching distance of promotion.