IT was excellent victory in the Challenge Cup against Sheffield Eagles, rewarded with a home tie against Toronto Wolfpack.

Originally it was drawn at home for the Wolfpack, but because their Lamport Stadium is undergoing refurbishment – including the replacement of the artificial turf, for a reported cost of $826,000 – scheduled for completion by the end of June, the match is switched to Craven Park.

There is also some doubt Barrow’s away Championship fixture will take place in Toronto. The match is due to played on June 23, but the construction work isn’t planned to be finished until June 30.

Another game at Craven Park would be preferable, wouldn’t it?

Toronto spent more money last week with the surprise signing of Gareth O’Brien from Salford. The transfer raised a few eyebrows and tended to suggest Salford are in some financial difficulty, as rumoured, following the withdrawal of Marwan 'Cumbria' Koukash.

I was at Derwent Park to report on the Town v London Broncos Challenge cup tie last week, so I didn’t see the Barrow performance.

Town were very unlucky to lose 22-20, and this week announced they have entered a dual-registration agreement with Leigh Centurions, which should bolster their promotion chances.

I have since watched the Barrow v Sheffield highlights, and it appeared a pretty good performance, particularly in the first half.

The signing of Gene Ormsby was the just the lift the club needed after the Rochdale defeat, and he had a great try-scoring debut.

Tomorrow, the Eagles return for a Championship fixture, and we could do with the two points.

Sheffield haven’t won a game yet, and chief Mark Aston lamented his side’s attack following their Challenge Cup exit.

“We weren’t clinical enough,” he said. “They wanted it more than us, so I was a little bit disappointed.”

The director of rugby’s frustration wasn’t just directed towards his players.

Two separate incidents involving Barrow players Joe Bullock – who was stretchered off and taken to hospital as a precaution – and Andy Litherland – who took a stray boot at a play-the-ball – left Barrow head coach Paul Crarey wanting red cards for the Eagles players involved.

But Aston said: “It’s absolutely rubbish and when I see him, I’ll tell him.”

Sheffield could have up to six new players tomorrow, with three unnamed men on dual-registration from St Helens, while Castleford loan pair Garry Lo and Corey Aston return to the fold, and the long-running saga behind Menzie Yere’s visa approaches a conclusion.

Jarrad Stack is suspended tomorrow and on Good Friday when Barrow travel to Halifax. For some reason the kick-off time then is 7.30 pm.

Captain Martin Aspinwall should return, and hopefully Bullock will be fit following his serious injury scare last week.

Nothing to report on the Dr Koukash front, and still waiting for a reply to my invite for a chat, but time is of the essence as the latest rumour is that the RFL are only going to fund 20 professional clubs. Where will that leave Barrow?

See you tomorrow.