Challenge Cup third round preview: Barrow v Keighley Cougars

Barrow came through a tough encounter with the University of Gloucestershire All Golds last week, winning 16-14 in terrible conditions.

Barrow coach Paul Crarey is well aware of the threat posed by Keighley: “We played them in a pre-season game and came from behind to run out comfortable winners but they hadn’t had a game and we’d had a couple so we expect a different Keighley,” he said.

“They are very, very experienced with good halves in Paul Handforth and Danny Jones while James Feather is a good hooker. They’ve got threats all over the park so it will be a great contest.

“It’s a learning process for our young team and it’s a different challenge for us because they are full of experience. We’re looking forward to it, every game for us is a progression for the club.”

Keighley coach Paul March was pleased with his side’s 64-0 win over East Leeds in the iPro Sport Cup in what could have been a potential banana skin.

“We went about our business in a professional way,” he said. “I thought the performance from one to 17 was excellent and hopefully that will build confidence for this weekend.

“We’ve already played them in pre-season and it was a game of two halves. Hopefully there will be a good crowd there and a good atmosphere. It’s a game we’re looking forward to.”