REPORT | Barrow Raiders 26-10 Sheffield Eagles

14/09/2026

Written by Spencer Arnold

Sheffield Eagles were knocked out of the Betfred Championship Playoffs yesterday afternoon after a 26-10 defeat against Barrow Raiders at the Speed Competitions Stadium.

Greg Eden made his return to the Eagles squad, slotting back into fullback for the trip up to Cumbria, which allowed Kai Morgan to move back into the halves. An injury in the pre-match warmup left Jordan Abdull sidelined, with Lennie Ellis coming in to replace him. Connor Bower also returned. 

Sunday afternoon’s fixture began very much in the Raider’s favour, with a penalty goal allowing them to go ahead early into the proceedings. 

Multiple opportunities for an Eagles try followed, with repeat sets being held out by a dominant defensive effort from Barrow, and not long after their first points, the home side increased their advantage with a try from Andrew Bullman in the right corner.

Ten minutes after the Raiders had scored, it was the Eagles turn to get themselves onto the scoresheet next, with a dummy and an offload from Connor Bower putting Billy Walkley right through to keep Sheffield in the game. 

More close efforts occurred for both sides, but despite their best efforts, we went into the break with no more changes to the scoreline. 

The second half began much like the first, with Barrow being the first to open the scoring, after a dash over the line from Greg Richards. 

Greg Eden had a scoring chance next, but it was ruled out due to an obstruction, keeping the Eagles scoreless so far in the half. 

Almost instantly after that disallowed try, the Raiders scored yet again, with an impressive effort from Joe Bullock. 

But, it was the Eagles turn to finally come up with another response, and with a Kieran Gill interception, the game remained in contention. 

However, the scoreline seemed to be too steep of a climb for the Eagles, and with a try from Ryan King in the final minutes of the fixture, Sheffield’s 2026 came to an end in the Playoff Eliminator Final. 

Barrow Raiders: Cresswell, Bulman, Teare, Costello, Broadbent, Bishop, Johnston, Bullock, Wood, Singleton, Emslie, Robson, King

Interchanges (all used): Walker, Richards, Stack, Makin

18th Man: Archer

Tries: Bullman (17’), Richards (50’), Bullock (58’), King (73’)

Goals: Johnston (4/4)

Penalties: Johnston (1/1)

Sheffield Eagles: Eden, Brown, Oakes, Gill, Walkley, Morgan, Ellis, Matongo, Johnson, Reilly, Bower, Hodson, Griffin

Interchanges (all used): Bussey, Butterworth, Bowes, Peachey

18th Man: Broadbent

Tries: Walkley (27’), Gill (62’)

Goals: Bower (1/2)