THE Workington Town fixture on Sunday was a true Cumbrian derby and had a bit of everything.

It was a great advert for League One rugby. We thought we were in control, then thought we’d lost it and eventually managed to salvage a point. A point gained or lost, I’m not sure but I am sure that it would be great to have both Cumbrian clubs joining Whitehaven in the Championship.

The support we received on Sunday we absolutely fantastic and both sets of fans should be proud of their contribution to a great day.

Activities started early in the morning with loads of kids getting involved with community rugby activities, even the little tots. This was followed by our Ladies team putting in a superb performance to leapfrog Widnes at the top and afterwards so many people stayed around to support the club and simply be around the place. It was heartening to see so many youngsters on the pitch and there is nothing better to see them with a ball in the hand post-match trying to emulate what they have previously witnessed.

Some of the clubs in the Championship have really struggled post-Covid but I believe that we have become a template of how to grow a club.

We have the massive advantage of having such a strong rugby league community, but it has still needed the public to buy in to what we are doing. The strategy has been to grow the game through our community offerings. We are able to provide affordable activities and events and Barrow Raiders have become the hub of the community.

Our supporters have been absolutely superb, and this has been replicated by the sponsors. The strategy of getting as many people in the ground as possible is paying dividends in big ways with our sponsors but not only that we are providing a genuinely great day out for the family. I think the after-match parties we have been having is almost a celebration of the fact that we know that the club is capable of going places. Our players are also excited, and our new players can’t believe the support we have been receiving.

Our events are coming thick and fast. Our European Championship match at the weekend replicated a Take That concert when we put tables on sale, and we were sold out within 3 minutes. Clearly, we are doing something the public of Barrow want. Next day we host Doncaster in another top two clash, and this could be our toughest test to date.

The week ahead could give a European Semi and Final interspersed with a concert from Knight Promotions and Keighley v Barrow on the big screen. The screen was due to go back at the end of the Euros, but we have made the decision to purchase. Not only that but we may also purchase a second screen to take advantage of the planning permission we have for turning our Hindpool Road advertising boards digital. Exciting times.