Barrow Raiders 18 - 30 York City Knights

Barrow gave a creditable performance in a hard-fought game before Premier Sports cameras at Craven Park.

The Raiders led at one stage 12-10 but went in at the break 12-22 down. A spirited effort to get back into the frame in the second half was not to be after fifteen minutes of constant pressure.

They pounded the York line with flowing rugby and hard running but despite all the graft couldn't breach a solid Knight defence.

Barrow were without pack leader Carl Forster who had not been well for several days - and he was sorely missed.

Barrow were first with points on the board after seven minutes play. Ellis Gillam and Luke Cresswell took play deep along with Sam Brooks which resulted in Anton Iaria crashing over, Sammut converting 6-0.

However it was soon level within three minutes. Ryan Shaw's high ball intended for Shane Toal was snapped out of the air by winger Joe Brown who raced in from half way with Liam Harris converting to make it 6-6.

Then a further error saw the Knights go ahead when Cresswell lost the ball close to his own line. York swung the ball across field and in at the corner was Will Oakes. 6-10.

Then the lead was back in the hands of the Raiders. Swift play saw the ball with Sammut and his reverse kick was snapped up by Cresswell who touched down for Sammut to convert 12-10.

Then two tries in the final minutes saw Barrow trail at the break.

A neat chip over Cresswell's head saw Harris swoop to score to be followed over the white-wash by Jordan Thompson converted by Harris.

The first twenty minutes of the second half belonged to Barrow.

Well led by Sammut, they raided the Knights line constantly with several players being held up by superb Knights defence..

Tee Ritson then brought the house down with a brilliant 70 meters run upfield cutting in and out of the cover before being hauled down.

York survived to put the game to bed when Harris dummied his way over from close range,he also added a penalty goal 12-30.

Barrow rallied and swift play saw Gary Wheeler in at the corner for Sammut to convert but time ran out for the Raiders who now face a tough home fixture with Featherstone on Sunday in the semi final of the 1895 cup.

Barrow : Cresswell, Ritson, Shaw,Wheeler, Toal, Sammut,Carter,Brooks, Wood,Gillam,Stack,Langtree, Iaria. Subs used@ Mossop, Eshe, Emslie, Wells.

Mail Man of the Match: Charlie Emslie.