The final game of challenge cup week was Barrow vs Huddersfield on the BBC. A real end to end game with some great tries ultimately saw the Giants prove too strong for Barrow. This game had everything, a full-length try. Storming breaks from the forwards and a controversial try for the visitors.

Huddersfield stormed to an early 12-point lead through Yates and Leutele. Russell converting both. They looked certain to score again until Ritson, the local lad, intercepted and ran the 80 metres towards the posts, almost looking too quick! Journeyman Sammut added the extras, keeping Barrow just 6 points behind.

Great passing and kicking from both sides carried on for the entirety of the first half. Huddersfield found themselves 15m out with around 2 minutes to go, when forward Ikahihfo found himself with the ball, spun round all of the Barrow defence who could not take him down! I don’t know if it was weak tackling or just pure power from the Giants man, either way a fantastic try and keeping Barrow just out of reach as the first half drew to a close.

Within 4 minutes of the re-start Barrow came flying out, a fantastic pass from the half-back towards the touch line found Tee Ritson who crashed over in emphatic fashion in the corner. Samutts’ kick falling just short.

Again some poor tackling from Barrows defence saw Ashworth break through the line, Ashworth went out on loan last week for a game for the Halifax Panthers who lost against Leigh. He held the ball up well then but nothing like this, he barnstormed his way through the 3 defenders and crashed over for an unconverted try. Russell hit the upright. 22-10.

👏 @BarrowRaiders' two-try hero @tee_ritson is chosen as your #OURLEAGUE Player of the Match.

🏆 @Betfred #ChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/bu69Gc7uQs

— Betfred Challenge Cup (@TheChallengeCup) March 27, 2022

Barrow were in the game all the way, but seemed to come up just short, and always seemed too far behind. Jarrad Stacks try gave the hosts some hope as they were within one score to draw level.

However, with 10 minutes to go a penalty given away which obviously Russell opted to kick saw the visitors go 24-16 ahead with just 10 minutes to go.

Huddersfield’s last minute try sparked controversy, Barrow had the ball on their own try line and Huddersfield’s men tried to force them over for a drop-out. However, the ball seemed to have been knocked on by the Barrow man as an offload attempt spilled before Senior picked up for the easiest try of his career. It went to video ref and the try was given. A dubious call to say the least, but as Barrow had already lost by this point it didn’t matter as much as if it had cost them the game in my opinion.

Full time

Barrow 16
Huddersfield 30

Barrow: Brooks; B Carter, Crellin, Cresswell, Emslie; Forster, Gillam; Hopkins, Iaria, Johnston, Kelly, Miloudi, Morrow

Interchanges: Mossop, Ritson, Sammut, Stack, Terrill, S. Toal, Wheeler, Wood
Tries: Ritson (2), Stack
Goals: Sammut (2/3)

Huddersfield: McGillvary; Leutele, Golding, Lolohea, Levi; Lawrence, Yates; English, Greenwood, Trout, Ikahihifo, O’Brien, Wilson

Interchanges: Cudjoe, L Senior, Russell, I Senior, Mason, Ashworth, Hewitt, Roby
Tries: Yates, Leutele, Ikahihifo, Ashworth, I Senior
Goals: Russell (5/6)