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Swinton pass first test

Claire Mooney
13/ 4/2006

Rugby League
Swinton Lions 22
Barrow Raiders 20

SWINTON Lions clung on for an opening day league win after a nail-biting clash with Barrow.

The Raiders - fresh from a cup victory over first division Oldham - gave the Lions a tough time with scrum half Darren Holt proving a thorn in their side yet again. But Paul Kidd's men dug deep and three tries in eight second half minutes gave them the edge.

Barrow led 14-10 at half-time with that man Holt at the heart of their attacking play. His kick set up the first try for full back Lee Norman and he also added the conversion points.

Martin Moana, in fine form at stand off, pulled four points back after a good handling move but the Raiders went further ahead when Holt sent Mike Whitehead over the try line.

Moana again had a hand in Swinton's next try, putting on the pressure that led to Ian Sinfield benefiting from a Barrow fumble.

Liam McGovern converted but Barrow finished the half on top and were rewarded when winger James Nixon raced over from 60 yards out.

It was all square again 12 minutes into the second half when Ian Watson sent Richard Marshall over.

Three minutes later, Norman failed to clean up Watson's kick and Chris Morley was given an open invitation to touch down.

Watson's kicking skills then set up a try for centre Dave Alstead.

Barrow were awarded a penalty try 15 minutes later when Scott Kaighan was impeded on his way to the try line. Holt converted but Swinton managed to hang on to their two-point cushion.

Team: Oldham; Saywell, Alstead, Ashton, Billy; Moana, Watson; Parry, McGovern, Rogers, Marshall, Stout, Morley. Subs used: Crabtree, Sinfield, Hersnip, Whittaker. Tries: Moana, Sinfield, Marshall, Morley, Alstead. Goal: McGovern.

Attendance: 445.