TWO spectacular 95-yard converted tries in the closing minutes were the highlight of Barrow Island’s 44-18 win over Eastmoor Dragons as they moved into second place in the National Conference Division Three.

Sam Jones and Ben Garner both scored long-range touchdowns within two minutes of each other.

Jones claimed he ran further than than Garner as he weaved in and out of the Eastmoor cover before straightening up to touch down, while his team-mate’s effort was a direct run upfield.

Another highlight of the victory was a maiden first-team try for 17-year-old debutant Shane Sanderson. Sanderson came on for Blain Marwood – who left the field injured in the first half – and made an impact.

Marwood also got on the scoresheet, racing in from 40 yards for a trademark try before his enforced departure.

Island got off to a flier, with Dan White providing the ball for Aiden Wright to go in at the corner, Wright adding the goal.

On 11 minutes, Jack Sutherland took play inside the Eastmoor half and Marwood was in support to take on the cover and pull away, with Wright adding the goal.

Eastmoor, who made Island work hard for their victory, were soon to respond, with Josh McVittee going over. Former Barrow RL player Adrian Mulcahy added the goal for 12-6.

It was soon level pegging as the pressure paid off for stand-off Mike Firth to cross the whitewash. Mulcahy again added the goal.

Island regained the lead when Sanderson touched down. Wright added the conversion and the he closed the half with a penalty goal for 20-12.

Matty Brown pulled off a try-saving tackle on Ryan Kelly, who had intercepted a Sam Jones pass. However, the pressure paid off when Tom Consterdine touched down and Mulcahy converted for 20-18.

Garner eased matters with a fine try as he burst through from 40 yards out. Wright tagged on the goal.

A high kick from Firth saw the ball bounce away from three runners into the arms of Jonathan Walsh, who raced in from 75 yards, with Wright converting.

Eastmoor never gave up the chase, but Island defended stoutly as five men pushed McVittee into touch.

Then, following a scrum five yards from their own line, Sanderson fed Jones, who cut through going one way then the other before pulling clear to score, Wright converting.

As the clock ticked down, Eastmoor lost possession under the Island posts. Garner swooped to race the length of the field to score, with Wright tagging on the goal.

Askam put up a brave show at leaders Stanningley in Division Two, before going down 32-26.

Askam tries came from Mark Tyson, Tyler Carter, Sam Dowsett and Kris Tyson (2). The latter also added three goals.

In North West Men’s League Division One, Walney Central lost 22-20 at Pilkington Recs A.

Walney’s tries came from Dave Nicholson, Ethan Furness, Jamie Ralph and Rob Harvey, with two goals from Dave Nicholson.

Furness Tiles and Flooring Barrow And District League results: Harry Warman Cup: Millom (8) 60 Barrow Island (10) 38; Hindpool (15) 81 Ulverston (18) 32; Walney Central (12) 24 Dalton (2) 32; Askam (5) v Roose Pioneers (0) – postponed.

Friday’s fixtures: Hindpool v Walney, Millom v Dalton, Roose Pioneers v Barrow Island, Ulverston v Askam.