UP NEXT AT HOME - BARROW RAIDERS

High-flying Cumbrian's up next for Thunder

Barrow Raiders are Thunder’s next opponent to visit Kingston Park this season as Betfred Championship action returns to the north east over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

A 3pm kick-off on Saturday, August 27, it is the first meeting between the two sides at the ground since 2017.

The Raiders have enjoyed a successful campaign this year where they currently sit fifth in the Betfred Championship, and firmly entrenched in the battle for third with Halifax Panthers, Batley Bulldogs and York City Knights.

They have already guaranteed their place in the end-of-season play-offs with a comfortable 30-12 win over Batley Bulldogs at the weekend.

Founded in 1875, Barrow have been operating for a mere 147 years and play their home games out of Craven Park. 

Originally formed as Barrow Football Club, they re-branded as Barrow Raiders as late as 2002 after stints under the names of Barrow Braves and Barrow Border Raiders. They were promoted back to the Second Division in 2021 and have seen a very successful return to the Betfred Championship.

The club have a decorated history where they have secured several honours including a Challenge Cup title back in the 1954/55 season. 

They have three Second Division titles under their belt from the 1975, 1983 and 2009 seasons as well as two League One titles in 2004 and as previously mentioned as early as 2021. The club also secured the League One cup in 2017.

The Raiders are currently led by former player Paul Crarey. The 56-year-old played over 170 games for Barrow at hooker before taking the reigns as coach in 2005. 

Crarey is in his second stint at the Raiders, with a season at Whitehaven for the 2007 campaign in between. Crarey rejoined Barrow in 2014 and has headed the club since.    

Barrow have 14 wins to their name so far this season alongside seven losses and one draw. This sees them sitting at fifth in the table. 

They also enjoyed a rather successful Challenge Cup run, reaching the Round of 16 where they put in a gallant display against Huddersfield Giants. 

Thunder have faced Barrow twice already this season. Both times at Craven Park with one being a pre-season friendly and the other a Betfred Championship fixture. 

On both occasions, Thunder fell short with a pre-season friendly that ended 34-22 in Barrow’s favour whereas the Betfred Championship fixture was a much more closer affair with Thunder narrowly losing 14-6 in appalling conditions.

Barrow will be full of confidence heading into the fixture at Kingston Park, knowing they have secured their play-off place already and with Thunder looking to take a morale-boosting win, we can expect a fiery affair with plenty of good rugby league on show. 

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked by clicking here, calling 0191 214 5588 (opt 1) or by visiting the Kingston Park Stadium box office.

Advanced prices of £15 adults, £10 concessions, £8 16 - 24 year olds and £3 Under 16s are in place until 12 Noon on matchday after which time, full match day pricing will be in effect.