Barrow Raiders crush North Wales Crusaders to take win

Archer made a dream start coming on as a substitute on 20 minutes for Testimonial man Nathan Mossop.

Archer, within eight seconds and with his first touch, crossed the white-wash.

Corkill also had a dream debut - his second try was a 75 yard interception.

Barrow were coasting at 22-6 but their goal line defence was slack as the Crusaders hit back to lead 24-22 five minutes into the second half.

However, any thoughts of a shock defeat were soon dispelled as the home side rattled up 30 unanswered points.

Barrow Raiders Picture: Leigh Ebdell

There were just four minutes on the clock when Ryan Johnston got the scoreboard ticking over with a neat try with Ryan Shaw converting 6-0.

Then quick hands from Jack Wells and Ellis Gillam paved the way for the long serving Mossop to dot the ball down with Shaw tagging on the goal 12-0.

Barrow’s defence was then caught napping as Jack Houghton forced his way over for Brad Billsborough to convert 12-6. Then that fine try for Archer, only for Shaw’s kick to hit the posts 16-6.

Corkill then made his mark with a long pass sending Shaw in for a try to which he added the goal 22-6.

Then Barrow took their foot off the pedal allowing Jonathan Griffiths and former player Brad Brennan to crash over. Billsborough added the goal to make it 22-18 at the break.

Again the home side were caught short minutes into the second half with Houghton in for his second try goaled by Billsborough 22-24.

However, the Crusaders’ joy was short-lived as Barrow stepped up a couple of gears.

Barrow Raiders Picture: Leigh Ebdell

Jonhston made a telling break for Corkill to score with Shaw converting 28-24.Then the Nigerian International raced in from 75 yards for an unconverted try - 32-24.

Another debutant Luke Broadbent then broke as Barrow swept upfield for Archer to cross the white-wash, Johnston converting 38-24.

Barrow V North Wales Crusaders by Leigh Ebdell

Former Whitehaven winger Andrew Bulman went in from close range quickly followed by Mossop with Danny Langtree closing the scoring, Johnston and Shaw adding goals.

Next Sunday Workington visit Craven Park.

Barrow: Broadbent, Bulman,Worthington, Shaw, S Toal, Wood, Johnston, Gillam, Mossop, Evans, Langtree, Emslie, Wells. Subs: Archer, Burke, B Carter, Dawson, Saunders, Corkill, D Wright.

Attendance 1,211.