Barrow Border Raiders 28York Wasps 8

Restructuring York made a strong Barrow side sweat blood for victory at windswept Craven Park.

Ably led by the prompting, probing skipper Allan Pallister the Wasps played never-say-die rugby and threw the ball around in spectacular, if sometimes reckless fashion, that was entertaining to watch.

But while they regularly threatened the Barrow line, especially in the first half, they didn't have the right equipment to cross it with any regularity and there are questions to be asked about their defending, especially when close to their own line.

Second row forward Matt Lambert was responsible for York's solitary try of the afternoon, with a pair of kicks via the boot of Craig Booth completing their tally.

York went behind in the third minute when Dean Marwood stroked a penalty for the Cumbrians, but the home side were soon on the back foot.

A storming break by wingman Geoff Woodward gave Barrow problems and on the other flank Chris Hopcutt might have got over on two occasions, but one pass didn't stick and desperate defending denied him on the second attempt.

From a Barrow head-and-feed centre Paul Burns - the Cumbria RU skipper - raced in for a try converted by Marwood just after the half hour.

Fisticuffs followed an unconverted touchdown by Barrow centre Jason Thurlow, but Marwood made it 14-0 with a penalty after referee Tony Burke decided York had been the aggressors.

Five minutes after the break Barrow were again on the ropes as the Wasps applied serious pressure.

First David Brook was held up before Lambert burrowed his way over the whitewash, which Booth converted from a difficult angle. In the 52nd minute he kicked a penalty for 14-8 and the outcome at that point was by no means certain.

But a 66th minute try in at the corner from Raider's substitute fullback Darren Wilson tilted the balance in favour of the blue-and-whites and another four pointer under the sticks courtesy of halfback Darren Carter sealed York's fate.

This was converted by Marwood, who also had a hand in their injury time crossover by utility man Steve Neale.

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