There will be no trip to the capital for Barrow Raiders this year after they were beaten 46-6 at home to Featherstone Rovers in the 1895 Cup semi-finals. 

Despite a spirited display in front of over 1,800 supporters at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium, Paul Crarey’s side were unable to match their in-form opponents, who will go on to face Leigh Centurions in the final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday 28 May.

Despite a determined first half display, the Raiders found themselves 16-0 down at half-time, with Morgan Smith, Craig Hall and Luke Briscoe putting Rovers in control, the latter crossing for the 100th try of his career.

John Davies extended their lead three minutes after the break, before the hosts posted their first point of the afternoon as Dan Toal crashed over on his return to the side.

However, his try-scoring return would not prove to be the catalyst for a dramatic comeback, as Brett Ferres, Mark Kheirallah, Ryley Jacks and Briscoe added further scores for Featherstone inside the final 22 minutes.

The Raiders will quickly shift focus back to league action, with a full-blooded Cumbrian derby clash with Workington Town on the horizon next Sunday. 

PAUL CRAREY REACTION

We caught up with the Raiders head coach following Sunday’s defeat. 

Get your tickets for Sunday’s Cumbrian derby!