A STRONG finish was in vain for Oxford RL as Barrow Raiders ran out 34-22 winners in their Kingstone Press League 1 clash.

Tim Rumford’s side ran in four tries, but paid for a spell either side of half-time when the Cumbrians took a firm grip on the game.

Maintenance work at Iffley Road meant it was played at the Prince of Wales Stadium in Cheltenham.

Although Oxford did not have home advantage, they opened the scoring in the tenth minute through Craig Cook.

Barrow responded with tries from Jamie Tracey, who pounced on a grubber kick to score, and Liam Campbell.

Josh Ward converted the first score to give the visitors a 12-6 advantage, which was trimmed to two points when Andy Hoggins touched down for Oxford.

Nathan Kitson missed the chance to level the scores – and the lead was quickly stretched.

Max Wiper pounced on a series of errors to score a try, which was converted by Ward, before Tracey claimed his second just before the hooter.

A 24-10 lead rapidly became 34-10 when Kyle Dolan scored twice, once via a 60-metre sprint.

Ward added one of the conversion attempts to put the Raiders well on top.

Oxford’s hopes of winning had gone, but they rallied in the closing stages.

Prop Jordan Andrade came off the bench to test a tiring Barrow defence.

The pressure told when Adam Withington dotted down from short range.

Kitson converted and added the final try himself, again after good work from Andrade, but it was too late to threaten Barrow.