WE were no match for an impressive Toulouse Olympique, who have now risen to second place in the Championship after the 50-0 demolition, writes Raiders Review columnist Tony Colyer.

I watched the highlights and couldn’t believe how good Toulouse were. Their main strength was pace in the backs, scoring 10 tries including an impressive Bastien Ader hat-trick, supported by braces from Tony Maurel and Anthony Marion.

The supporters who went over to France stated how proud they were of the effort demonstrated in adversity but the journalists attending the game wrote they were outclassed.

This was the second time that Barrow have conceded over 50 points and not scored in reply this season, having previously been defeated 56-0 by York City Knights. Furthermore, Barrow have not tasted victory in six games and have the worst points difference in the division.

So, where do we go from here?

Just like last season we are struggling with injuries; the latest being Jono Smith who suffered a double fracture to the cheekbone and could be out for up to eight weeks.

Jono has been the stand-out performer this season, so that is a massive blow.

We need to cover these injuries with perhaps four or five significant signings in order to resurrect our season and ensure Championship survival, and the return of Alec Susino is a positive move.

Money talks and I’m not sure what the financial status of the club is? Are we in a position to recruit or are the short-term financial risks too high to act? What is the strategy?

This needs to be defined and shared with the supporters so as we can understand how much is required to improve the squad. Can Catalan Dragons help out just like last season?

Tomorrow is a crossroads; we must beat Swinton in order put five points between us. Although the objective was to improve, unfortunately 2019 is evolving into a replica of last season with the focus on survival – which basically means finishing above Swinton and Rochdale.

Sheffield Eagles, who we managed to finish above, have transformed themselves into a competitive team, sitting in third place at the moment with only one defeat.

Beating Swinton will be difficult as we found last season with two draws and finally a 34-18 victory at Craven Park. The Lions have not won yet, but have been competitive and last week only lost 24-12 to Featherstone Rovers.

They have a dual-registration agreement with Wigan Warriors and its highly likely ex-Raider Chris Hankinson and Dalton’s Liam Paisley will be playing.

Winger Matty Ashton is dangerous and scoring tries, and experienced prop Jamie Acton has signed from Leigh Centurions.

See you tomorrow.