Crusaders set up Barrow final clash

James Gordon

North Wales Crusaders will face Barrow Raiders in the iPro Sport Cup final at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool, after both teams successfully navigated their semi-finals at the weekend.

Barrow, still unbeaten in all competitions this season, trounced Oxford 64-14, while Crusaders overcome a tough encounter at Gloucestershire All Golds, winning 37-28.

The Raiders ran in 12 tries, including a hat-trick for Shane Toal, though were pushed by the visitors in the first half, who were only 20-14 down at the break.

Meanwhile, it was a blistering first half effort that helped Crusaders earn their place in the final. They led 30-10 at half-time, and despite a second half comeback from the All Golds, they had enough to hold on.

The final takes place in Blackpool as part of the Summer Bash on the weekend of May 27/28.

It is only the third year of the competition, which includes all British based League 1 clubs, and Crusaders were the inaugural winners back in 2015.

The current holders are Keighley Cougars, who beat York City Knights 22-18 last season.

Photo courtesy of Richard Long.