Monday, 6 April 2009

Carnegie Challenge Cup

There was much excitement in the Rugby League side of town when we drew a Super League team in the 4th round of the Challenge Cup. The day came when Wigan came to Craven Park and the crowds turned out. 6,275 people crammed into the ground, I had not seen it this full for many years.
Popular Side Supporters

The whistle blew and the game set off at a cracking pace and the score ping ponged backwards and forwards, 0-6, 6-6 (Liam Finch try) 6-10, 12-10 (James Nixon try, Paul Noone conversion hey we could win this) 12-14, 14-14, 14-20. The crowd was buzzing as half time came.


Stopping Wigan scoring
So near to another Barrow try

Wigan came out in the second half having obviously having had a good telling off in the changing rooms and put Barrow under pressure but we stood up well. 14-24, 18-24 (Liam Campbell try), 20-24 (Noone Penalty) but now comes the twist of fate. A long pass to Finch had set Harrison in for a try, we were ecstatic, the referee was about to give it but the touch judge called a forward pass (not only we thought this was a good pass, none of the Wigan players had appealed for a forward pass). A few more pieces of bad luck and Wigan's Karl Pryce scored a try and we were 20-28.

The end result was Barrow Raiders 20 Wigan Warriors 32. There was going to be no giant killing on this day but it was an entertaining match and the crowd cheered to the rafters on the final whistle. The team had done us proud with their non-stop running and tackling. The man of the match was Liam Finch but all 13 players and the 4 substitutes were magnificent.

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