A BATTLING display from Barrow Island Ladies was not enough to help them overcome York City Knights as they went down 62-6 at home to the Women's Super League outfit in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup.

Taking to the field with a 16-player squad following late withdrawals, Barrow acquitted themselves well but York proved too strong at Ostley Bank.

The visitors made a flying start with two quick converted tries, but Barrow soon started to put them under pressure with good work from forwards Sarah-Jayne Muncaster, Jodie Moncur, Lucy Dickinson and Jodie Crawford.

Beth Lindsay, Jodie Litherland and Leah Cottier helped put the home side on the City Knights' line, but a breakaway by York's centre following a lost ball led to them running in their third converted try of the afternoon.

Kelly Friend, Emily Stirzaker and Lizzie Herring put in some fine defence to prevent York from getting any further scores and, at the other end, Barrow's kicking game led to an opportunity for Lindsay which saw her held up just short of the try-line.

However, Litherland being forced off due to injury led to a reshuffle which York took advantage of to score two further unconverted tries which put them 26-0 up at half-time.

Litherland returned for the start of the second half, yet despite some good attacking play the home side were unable to unlock the City Knights' defence and the visitors, on the back of bringing on some big replacement forwards, took the score out to 36-0.

Having just three replacements and with various injuries being suffered, coupled with a hard pitch, was taking its toll on Barrow.

However, Lindsay, Cottier and Litherland started to make things happen in attack, leading to Linsday scoring a try and Litherland converting.

But in the final 15 minutes, the home side began to tire and York took full advantage, running in several more converted tries to take themselves past 60 points and seal the win.

Player of the match went to Litherland, while Barrow thanked match sponsors Larkin Engineering, Michael Rushton and Julie Larkin, along with team mascot Charlotte Munro, who was a great help on the day and was presented with a signed top and ball.

Barrow have another home game on Sunday when they host Widnes Vikings in the Women's Championship, aiming to keep up the pressure on the top two. Kick-off is at 2pm.