A BARROW Raiders Ladies star said 'it feels great' and that she is proud to have made history for the club.

In a historic occasion at Craven Park, the Raiders Ladies were defeated 32-6 by a Warrington Wolves side expected to challenge for promotion to Super League Group one. 

Norman’s close-range finish shortly before the half-hour marked the club’s first Super League try since they were promoted alongside Leigh Miners Rangers ahead of the 2022 campaign.

Despite Sunday’s defeat, she admits it feels special to have written her name into the Raiders history books. 

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“At the time, it was great to score a try and get some points on the board,” she said. “It wasn’t until afterwards that I realised the significance of it. It feels great to be a part of the club’s history.

The Mail: Sam NormanSam Norman

“There’s lots to learn. We had a lot of chances in the game but didn’t execute properly, so we’ve got that to work on. They are a very good team, and we knew it was always going to be tough.”

The Raiders Ladies have already tested themselves against the very best, having taken on eventual champions St Helens in the group stages of the Betfred Challenge Cup back in March. 

Norman – who featured against last season’s treble-winners – insists playing the very best in British rugby league will be beneficial for her side as the 2022 season progresses.

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“That first game against St Helens, the whole experience, was just something else,” she recalled. “They’re unbelievable, and being able to share the field with England internationals was just amazing. 

“And then coming up against Warrington, we can all see the massive improvements that they’ve made. They want to be in Super League 1 and have made some good signings.

“Playing against those top teams will only make us better, so it’s been really good.”

With the Raiders Ladies now set for a week off due to the bye handed to them in Round 2, followed by another week off due to the Betfred Challenge Cup final, they will not return to the field until a clash with Leigh Miners Rangers at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium at the beginning of June.