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Swinton Lions 12 Barrow Raiders 31

28/ 8/2008

SWINTON’S players could walk away from their final game of the season with their heads held high after showing plenty of fighting spirit against League One bound Barrow.

But the same can not be said for the season as a whole as a hugely disappointing campaign has finished with Swinton six points adrift of the League Two play-offs in 10th spot.

They had nothing riding on Saturday’s encounter apart from personal pride. Barrow, on the other hand, had to win to secure the second automatic promotion spot.

For the umpteenth time this season, Swinton were guilty of making a slow start with the Raiders scoring three tries in the opening 19 minutes to take a 12-0 lead. But from then on in, Swinton, who have undoubtedly improved their performances in recent weeks, made the visitors fight every inch of the way to their vital victory.

Lions coach Paul Kidd said: "It’s the end of a very long season for us and I am proud of the effort the players have put in over the last few weeks. They had a good go against a very good Barrow side and that’s all I can ask for. They never gave up and there are some pleasing signs for next season."

Swinton have had horrendous luck on the injury front this season and they were further depleted on Saturday with Liam McGovern missing due to work commitments and with Mike Wainwright’s loan spell from Leigh having come to a close.

Gary Hulse moved from full back into the halves to good effect while Richie Hawkyard and Bruce Johnson also shone. But Barrow’s extra class was there for all to see. Winger James Nixon scored a hat-trick of tries after just 33 minutes of play and man of the match Darren Holt ran the show from the middle of the park.

The visitors threatened to give the Lions a thumping at one stage. But that was the last thing that Swinton’s fans deserved following their unwavering support this season and, thankfully, the players did them proud for most of the match.

The Lions continually put their bodies on the line in defence, created their fair share of try scoring opportunities and bagged consolation touch downs via Wayne English and Dean Gorton.

Team: English; Saywell, Hull, Gorton, Billy; Frodsham, Hulse; Line, Hawkyard, Johnson, Rigby, York, Moana. Subs used: Ashall, Crook, Hayes, Bates. Tries: English, Gorton. Goals: Hawkyard (2). Attendance: 472.