It was quite a wild and windy evening on the West coast. The rain was lashing down prior to kick off and despite the pitch being in solid shape it looked pretty heavy going. 

Craven Park Barrow is about as traditional as a Rugby League ground can get. Supporters of both sides packed in the popular stand down the side to shelter from the conditions. The Raiders had started the season in impressive style with  thumping win over local Cumbrian rivals Workington. 

From the kick off you could see the physical size difference between the two teams. Barrow’s pack looked huge and they started on the front foot but Salford made their intentions known moving the ball to the right edge in ambitious fashion.

Despite the greasy conditions both sides looked to force the pass and when Barrow moved it right they caught Salford out for numbers and fullback Cresswall scored the games first try. Moments later it was back to back tries when experienced winger Tee Ritson went over. 

Salford were struggling to keep the Barrow pack at bay and when Knott scored their third try the hosts were 16-0 up in as many minutes. 

The visitors lost winger Sam Hill to what looked like a hamstring injury. He gingerly walked off and then had to walk the long way round the pitch to the dugout. 

Barrow played the conditions perfectly at times. Kicking from deep along the ground and with a very strong chase they forced a drop out before making their third try pressure count. Doolan got their fourth before Ritson caused havoc with a dazzling run that Salford failed to snuff out. Greg Richards backed up to score and the hosts led 28-0 at the break. 

Speaking to Salford coach Mike Grady after the match he said he’d asked his players for a big improvement in the second half and that’s exactly what he got. They looked more organised and resilient in defence. Barrow had plenty of possession in the Salford half as they battered the line with sheer power from their pack. The young Salford side dug in to frustrate them showing tremendous desire and courage as the conditions worsened. 

Joe Hartley came close with Salford’s best chance to date but he was tackled just short of the line. The hosts added another two tries to lead 38-0 but Salford never gave up. Half back Matty Ross worked tirelessly with Oliver Garmston tackling everything that moved. From one to seventeen the Salford lads gave everything and you can’t really ask for more than that. The travelling supporters sang their hearts out and eventually they were rewarded. Salford moved the ball down the right forcing the pass and Garmston scored arguably the try of the match with eight minutes remaining.

Both sides saw the remaining minutes of the game out with no further scores and as the final hooter sounded Barrow were deserved winners after another clinical performance.

This young Salford side is learning all the time and their next league encounter comes at home to Hunslet in a fortnight’s time.

Despite the tough conditions spirits were definitely not dampened on or off the pitch. The whole Salford club has a real togetherness and spirit that you cannot buy. Times are tough at the moment but I am confident this team will grow.

Once again the travelling supporters were outstanding and the Barrow fans I spoke to were all very encouraging to Salford after the match. Many people may think Super League is the be all and end all but I’ve noticed over the years that visiting grounds like Barrow you meet some great people who care passionately about the game as a whole. 

Barrow 38 Salford 4.

Paul Whiteside.

Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.