THIS was a truly professional performance by the Lancashire side whose determined hard work resulted in a well earned victory.

However, playing against the wind the Lynx started poorly and were soon trailing when Barrow's star player Dean Marwood kicked a penalty.

Experienced Darren Abram scored for the away side four minutes later when scrum half Chris Kelly put up a high kick, causing havoc in the Raiders defence.

Lynx winger Neil Parsley caught the ball and managed to avoid the opposition, passing to Jones who slipped it to Abram to finish off a great move.

Phil Jones missed the conversion so the scores remained close at 2-4.

Both sides continued to hit each other hard, but Lynx struggled to gain any yards with a strong wind against them.

Frustration was showing on their faces and soon two mistakes followed, resulting in Barrow's quick winger Ruddy crossing over.

Marwood converted the try and the home side went in at half-time leading 8-4.

Lancashire came out in the second half determined not to start slowly as they'd done in previous games.

Aussie winger Steve Byrne prevented Barrow going further ahead when he picked up the ball just inches from his own line.

Soon after Lancashire were ahead after a tremendous team move sent Neil Parsley in at the corner.

Jones converted from the touchline to send the team into a 10-8 lead.

Just two minutes later Darren Abram turned the game as he intercepted a pass and ran the full length of the field to send the travelling fans wild.

Jones converted and with two tries in as many minutes Lynx led 16-8. A stunned Barrow side played the next ten minutes as though they didn't know what had hit them.

Another penalty from Jones and a drop goal from captain Ruane extended the lead to 19-8.

Strong running from New Zealanders Jason Pekepo and particularly PJ Soloman proved too much for Barrow as they tired.

Crowd favourite Phil 'Indiana' Jones kicked another penalty ten minutes from time to secure the win.

However, the impressive Lynx forwards did lose their concentration three minutes from time to let winger Ruddy in again.

But Lynx were determined to have the final say and as injury time approached hooker John Donno kicked a drop goal to hand Barrow their first home loss of the season.

Lynx now lie second in the league, just two points behind leaders Bramley with two games in hand.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.