Barrow 24, Workington 24

A GREAT second-half comeback from Town ensured they gained a well-earned point in this top-of-the-table clash. They took an early 6-0 lead but found themselves trailing 20-6 at the break.

Town supporters swelled the attendance to over 3,000 and the vocal support in the second half brought the best out of the players, who responded with three converted tries.

Town were looking favourites to win this battle of Cumbria as the home side looked out on their feet as the game reached its final stages. But a penalty for a high tackle on Dallimore enabled him to strike gold and earn his side a point and ensured no first defeat of the campaign.

Barrow had a 12-point cushion but it was local boy Blain Marwood in Town’s colours that brought an exciting last few minutes of what was a bruising battle with no prisoners taken.

Marwood came on as a substitute and within two minutes was scootering over the line for a try courtesy of a Jamie Doran chip over the defence. Forber added the goal for 22-18.

It was Town who looked the most dangerous in the opening minutes and after sustained pressure Forber was the provider for his half back and partner in crime Doran to crash over. Forber failed to add the goal 0-4.

However Forber was on target after Nathan Mossop was caught offside, 0-6. Barrow were to draw level on 11 minutes when, after Doran had knocked on, Barrow pressed and Dallimore outfoxed the cover to dart over and convert 6-6.

Barrow soon lost Mossop with a head injury before Dallimore was taken out with a high tackle which resulted in Caine Barnes going to the sin bin. Dallimore sent his penalty kick dead and from the drop out Barrow took the lead.

A forceful drive from Adam Walne saw him crash over despite the attention of three defenders, and Dallimore tagged on the kick 12-6. Town were then rescued by a Gabe Fell try-saving tackle on Sam Dowsett who had broken downfield.

Town, who had looked so good, were now working overtime in defence as Duffy was held up followed by Bustin being held a foot short. However from the play-the-ball, Dowsett nipped over for Dallimore to convert 18-6.

Town came back strong and a good run saw Calvin Wellington race over only for an obstruction in the build up – no try. The half closed with a Dallimore penalty goal, 20-6.

An early second-half penalty from Dallimore made the gap 16 points at 22-6 but this was the sign for Town to come back with some fine attacking play. Connor Fitzsimmons looked destined to score but he fell to a great Forster tackle.

Inspired by good forward work, Town reduced the arrears when Matty Henson went in at the corner, Forber adding a great conversion 22-12.

This lifted Town as Wellington was denied a second try for obstruction but there was no stopping the visitors as Doran chipped over the cover to regather and send Marwood scootering over, Forber adding another touchline goal 22-18.

Barrow were now hanging on but went behind as former Town favourite Tee Ritson spilled a kick to the corner allowing Brad Hoyland to swoop and score. Doran brought huge cheers from the Town supporters with his touchline goal, 22-24.

Walne was binned for a high tackle but the home side drew level after Dallimore was taken high after chipping over the cover, adding to the punishment with the goal, 24-24. Dallimore and Carter failed to win it with drop goal attempts as did Doran for Town.

Barrow: Creswell, Ritson, Carter, Hopkins, Toal, Dallimore, Johnston, Bustin, Mossop, Forster, Morrow, Crellin, Walne. Subs used: Dowsett, McBain, Emslie, Duffy.

Workington: Fell, Holroyd, Brown, Wellington, Young, Doran, Forber, Fitzsimmons, O’Donnell, Lightowler, Moore, Barnes, O’Brien. Subs used: Henson, Clarke, Dawson, Marwood.

Attendance: 3,130.

Men of Match – Barrow: Tom Hopkins. Town: Jamie Doran.