TOULOUSE 34, BARROW 10.

A VASTLY under-strength Barrow side came out of the game in Albi with credit against the full-time professionals and promotion hopefuls Toulouse.

It was a short turnaround for the Raiders having to play a Saturday game following Monday’s brilliant win at Whitehaven.

Jarrad Sammut made his return after serving a five-match ban, taking on the hooking role with Josh Wood moving to loose forward in the absence of Tom Wilkinson.

Luke Broadbent was ruled out through concussion with Luke Creswell taking up the full back position. The Raiders – who have a massive injury list – had only 17 players to call upon with young Furness Raiders skipper Roly Seward being 18th man.

The opening exchanges were even, then on eight minutes Sammut kicked downfield. The home side gathered to cover 50 metres from where the Barrow defence was prised open for Laguerre to cross the white-wash, Jack Shorrocks added the conversion 6-0.

Adam Jackson took a knock with Rio Corkill replacing him as Barrow attacked with sharp passing for Andrew Bulman to cross in the corner, Ryan Shaw adding a touchline conversion, 6-6 on 15 minutes.

A high ball from the home side saw Bulman saving his line with a fine jump to gather.

However on 27 minutes Barrow-born Greg Richards crashed over from close range to restore the lead for the French side, Shorrocks adding the goal for 12-6.

Barrow were in contention only to concede a further six points a minute from the break as Marion made a break to dot the ball down for Shorrocks to close the half with the goal, 18-6.

It was Marion who six minutes into the second period was sin binned for a high tackle on Carter.

Barrow worked hard to reduce the deficit with Ryan Johnston setting up a raid with a fine 40-20 kick. However the home side survived to stretch their lead on 53 minutes with a try from Pelissier converted by Shorrocks, 24-6.

Charlie Emslie was stretchered off injured but after giving the thumbs up later returned to the action.

Brett Carter did go close, but as he headed for the corner was bundled into touch. Santo touched down for the home side prior to Bulman registering his second try latching onto a Johnston kick to the corner, 28-10.

Toulouse closed the scoring three minutes from time when Richards paved the way for Pelissier to cross for his second try, converted by Shorrocks.

Barrow now go into their last four vital games starting at fellow relegation candidates Keighley this Sunday. Another candidate, Swinton, come to Craven Park the following week with a trip to bottom-side Newcastle prior to the season closing with a home game with York.

Yesterday’s other Championship matches ended Featherstone 36, Keighley 6; Halifax 26, Widnes 28; London Broncos 34, Whitehaven 18; and Swinton 26, Bradford 42; meaning no change to the table.

Barrow: Creswell, Bulman, Brand, Toal, Carter, Jackson, Johnston, Burke, Sammut, Worthington, Emslie, Shaw, Wood. Subs: Corkill, Billington, Evans, Saunders.