MICHELLE Larkin ran in a hat-trick as Barrow Island Ladies began the 2019 Women's Championship season with a 28-20 win at home to newly-formed Warrington Wolves.

The Wolves, who had Warrington Super League star Ben Westwood supporting them at Rating Lane, were playing their first competitive game but were still expected to provide a stiff test.

It was the hosts who took the lead though, with Barrow player of the match Jodie Litherland weaving her way through the defence for a try which she also converted.

Larkin then burst through for a her first score, which was again converted by Litherland, but Warrington hit back with a converted try to punish an error from the restart.

A cross-field kick then led to one of Wolves' centres grabbing an unconverted try, yet Barrow gave themselves some more breathing room when a swift passing move was finished by Larkin for another converted score.

The visitors were in again just before the break to make it 18-14 at half time, only for Larkin to complete her haul soon after the restart when she was set up by Sarah Wilkinson to finish another flowing attack followed by Litherland adding the extras.

Warrington managed another converted score, yet Barrow's defence held firm to take the win.