LYNX looked well able to score a fine victory over the Raiders who had inflicted such a thrashing the last time they met in April at Victory Park.

In the end though, through sheer bad luck and some poor decisions from the referee, Lynx were denied even a share of the spoils, losing 25-19.

Lynx gained the upper hand in early exchanges and after 25 minutes the pressure paid off when a sweeping move from one side of the pitch to the other put winger Dave Ratcliffe over for the first try.

Lynx were now flying and moments later Flannagan put up a bomb and Neil Parsley, taking advantage of the poor Barrow defence, leapt high for the ball and scored under the posts.

Roberts converted and suddenly Lynx were leading 13 - 4.

The visitors had a chance to extend the lead still further but a forward pass with the defence beaten denied them at the line. Lynx were to rue that opportunity because moments later Barrow scored a try when second row Stuart Rhodes forced his way over after gaining a penalty.

Such was their confidence, the Lancashire side bounced straight back and after great work from both Steve Gee and Doc Murray, Darren Abram smashed his way over to score under the sticks.

Roberts converted before the hooter went to leave the score at 19 - 10 in the visitors' favour.

Flannagan reacted badly to a poor refereeing decision and walked for 10 minutes and Barrow piled on the pressure, hard working prop Ray Barchard crashing over for a good try. Holt converted and now there were only three points in it.

Flannagan had just got back on the pitch when Glen Hutton raced over the try line to put the Raiders noses back in front.

Final nail in the coffin came on the whistle when the Lancashire defence thought they had tackled centre Stuart Magorian but he reached out and managed to scramble the ball over the line.

Lynx had lost a game that they could, on another day, have easily won. They should take great heart however, because it was a gutsy display with drive and commitment and coach Steve Hampson will be proud of his players.

Lynx will need to be at their best for the next game as top-of-the-table Widnes are the visitors on August 8 (kick-off 3.00pm).

They will be sure to bring about 500 fans with them.

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