BARROW Island cruised into the semi-finals of the Barton Townley cup with a 44-4 victory over Roose Pioneers at Furness Rugby Union’s Strawberry Grounds.

National Conference League Division Two side Island had too much in attack for North West Men’s League Division Three outfit Pioneers, who found it difficult to keep in touch, and were 12-0 up after only 10 minutes action.

The Island moved the ball a cross-field at pace with Pioneers always stretched, but the re-building Redwaters side showed some nice touches with ball in hand despite lacking in defence.

Joint-player-coach Chris Larkin was a threat throughout along with Euan Jones, who crossed for his sides only try with a determined run to the line.

Island were ahead with just two minutes on the clock when swift handling from off-season recruit Adam Jackson and Jake Stockdale paved the way for Sam Jones to prise open a gap to score out wide, followed by Jackson adding the goal to make it 6-0.

Pioneers came back strongly with a good attack through Glen Phillips and Larkin, only for the tackles to run out.

Island then doubled their tally on 10 minutes when Dan White created space for Peter Rimmer to score, followed by Jackson again converting.

Pioneers dug deep and came more into the frame, with Euan Jones to the fore, and he was rewarded when he crashed over for an unconverted try to make it 12-4.

Island then stepped up a gear, with Jackson breaking through and passing to Brandon Corrie, who was assisted by Jones to send Connor Pearce in at the corner. Jackson added the extras to push the score out to 18-4.

Pioneers worked hard, but as half time approached Corrie and Jackson linked for Josh Banham to touch down, with Jacksons goal closing the half and sending Island in at half time with a 24-4 lead.

Three minutes into the second period, Island were in again when Aiden White went in by the posts followed by Jackson kicking the conversion.

The ex-Askam man was on hand to kick the extras from a Joe Mallinson try too, who went in after good work from White and Stockdale 36-4.

And when Jacksons well-aimed kick out wide fell into the arms of White, the big centre put the ball down with ease, but Jackson was unable to convert this time.

With full time approaching, White went in from dummy-half to close the scoring.

Island looked sharp as they prepare for their NCL opener this weekend, while Pioneers showed touches of class in attack but will have to be more alert in defence.

Elsewhere, Walney Central are through to the quarter-finals of the BARLA National Cup after scheduled opponents Oldham St Annes forfeited the game.

Walney and Roose, along with Hindpool Tigers and Ulverston, start the North West Men’s League season this Saturday.