MICHELLE Larkin ran in two tries, but it was not enough to help Barrow Island Ladies avoid a 44-16 defeat at home to Stanningley in the Women’s Championship.

A fast start saw the visitors take the lead with a converted try, but Barrow fought back with some strong running from Louise Clarke, Lucy Dickinson and Aimee Grierson.

They were unable to unlock the Stanningley defence though and two unconverted scores followed from the away side to put them 14 points up.

Island hit back when player of the match Larkin dived over for the first of her tries after being set up by Jodie Litherland, who kicked the conversion too.

But another try for their opponents saw Stanningley lead 18-6 at half time, pushing that out to 30-6 soon after the restart.

Barrow did not let their heads drop though and a strong passage of play led to a great move with Litherland linking well with Stirzaker, who in turn fed the Larkin through the gap to score from the halfway line, with Litherland converting.

Stanningley ran in another two quick tries, but Barrow scored again when Sam Norman went over after Louise Clarke and Leah Cottier were held up short.

Stanningley had the final say with an unconverted try.