Barrow Raiders 6-32 York Knights: Challenge Cup Match Report

sharonshortle
8 hours ago
3 min read

York Knights are through to the fourth round of the Betfred Challenge Cup, after a hard fought 32-6 win at Barrow Raiders in round 3.

In a game played on a heavy pitch, the Knights scored 18 unanswered second half points, after a tough first period.

At times an indisciplined and scrappy affair, both teams had men sin binned before Knights' hooker, Paul McShane was sent off along with Barrow’s Greg Richards for fighting.

However a better second half saw York ease through with four tries in the quarter of the game, including Nikau Williams completing a brace.

York opened the scoring after less than four minutes after Barrow conceded a penalty early in the set. York took their opportunity, sending the ball wide for Toa Mata’afa to cross in the corner for the opening points of the game, but too far out for Harris to add the conversion.

Another Barrow penalty helped the Knights gain more good position and put pressure on their opponents line. On the last of the set, Nikau Williams pounced on the ball from a kick through to extend their lead, and the Knights' seemed comfortable.

Barrow had their first real chance after quarter of an hour, when Tee Ritson made a break, but the Cumbrians couldn’t combine to turn it into points.

As York regained possession, a high tackle from Barrow’s Ryan King led to him being shown a yellow card. Minutes later, it was 12 a-side, as Jesse Dee followed him to the sin bin, also for a high tackle.

With Barrow now galvanised, a penalty for a ball steal put them in good position in front of York’s posts. However, the Knights passed the first test of their try line defence.

The sin binned players returned and within minutes, Barrow went close, only to be held up over the York line. However, the teams were soon back down to 12 men each for the rest of the game, after McShane got into a scuffle with Greg Richards, leading to red cards for both.

Luke Cresswell then got Barrow on the scoreboard, touching down a kick beneath the posts with York’s defence slow to react. Walker converted, and Barrow were within two.

York did settle before the half time break, and when Jack Martin went over for a much needed try which Harris converted, they took an eight point lead into the dressing rooms.

With another coming together of players after the break, the referee spoke to both captains and gradually play settled.

However, there was still some indiscipline, and after being awarded consecutive penalties near the Barrow line, York built pressure. With Harris and Mata’afa instrumental, Williams showed some great footwork to score his second of the game. Harris couldn’t tag on the extras.

When Jesse Dee showed some typical strength to drive over for the Knights’ fifth try of the game, their place in the fourth round draw was all but sure, with 10 minutes still to play.

York were in a purple patch, and within five minutes, Oli Field crossed. Williams converted, and the Knights were looking comfortable.

Paul Vaughan put gloss on the score when he charged over for a try on his York debut, to bring an end to a tough encounter and see York through to Monday evening's draw.

Barrow: Cresswell, Broadbent, Teare, Costello, Ritson, Walker, Johnston, Bullock, Wood, Walker, Robson, Stack, King

Subs (all used): Bishop, Archer, Richards, Emslie

18th Player: Watson

Tries: Cresswell (35)

Goals: Walker (1/1)

Sin Bin: King (18)

Sent off: Richards (38)

York: Mata’afa, Jones-Bishop, Wood, Williams, Galeano, Hingano, Harris, Va’a, McShane, Vaughan, Field, Dee, Thompson

Subs (all used): Balmforth, Martin, Sangare, Vuniyayawa

18th Player: Richardson

Tries: Mata’afa (4), Williams (11, 62), Martin (40’), Dee (70), Field (74), Vaughan (80)

Goals: Harris (1/5), Williams (1/2)