Widnes 24-34 Barrow: Hakim Miloudi inspires Raiders to stunning victory – talking points

France international Hakim Miloudi inspired Barrow to a 34-24 victory over Widnes to end the Vikings’ 100% record in 2022.

Salford pair Josh Johnson and Jack Wells were named on the bench for Barrow just days after joining the club on loan. Jarrod Sammut was named in the halves, with former Super League hooker Josh Wood also starting.

Dec Gregory made his debut for Widnes from the bench. Kenny Baker missed out due to suspension, with Shane Grady starting.

Widnes strike early

Widnes struck just three minutes into the clash. Sam Wilde crashing over thanks to some smart work from team-mate Joe Lyons. Ste Tyrer converting for an early 6-0 lead.

Lyons was at the heart of the second try just seven minutes later. Full-back Lloyd Roby made the break, and on the next play the half-back found Tyrer to slide through the Barrow defence for a 12-0 score. 

Sammut hit back for the visitors on 19 minutes. The former Wigan half scored his first try for Barrow with a stunning individual try from the scrum for a 12-6 score. Shaw converting for the Raiders. 

If Hakim Miloudi was using this televised opportunity to earn a spot in the France squad for this year’s World Cup, his assist on 28 minutes would have caught the attention. The former Hull and Toronto centre fooled the Widnes defence with a beautiful step to find Tee Ritson, who brilliantly finished the try in the corner for a 12-10 score. 

Widnes responded with their own piece of magic on 36 minutes. Tyrer found a lovely offload to Roby to extend the home side’s lead.

Miloudi produced more fantastic skill, again setting up his winger to hit reduce the deficit just before the break. 

HT: Widnes 18-16 Barrow

The former Super League centre continued the second 40 like he finished the first. His try on 43 minutes gave Barrow their first lead of the fixture. Shaw soon after extended that lead with a penalty conversion for a 22–18 score. 

Fleming thought he hit back for Widnes, only for his try to be ruled out for a penalty in the build-up. Tyrer was then sent off in 53 minutes for a tackle on Ritson.

Barrow full-back Luke Cresswell extended the lead on 62 minutes through a great team try for 26-18. Shaw converted the side’s second penalty on 65 minutes for a tackle off the ball in front of the sticks.

Prop forward Carl Forster crashed over on 72 minutes to secure the victory, extending the lead to 16. 

Welsh international Matty Fozard hit back on 77 minutes, but it was too late for the Vikings.

FT: Widnes 24-34 Barrow

Widnes: Roby, Ince, Fleming, Tyrer, Holroyd, Smith, Lyons, Dupree, Fozard, Grady, Davies, Wilde, Brown.

Tries: Wilde, Tyrer, Roby, Fozard

Goals: Tyrer 4

Barrow: Cresswell, Ritson, Miloudi, Shaw, Toal, Carter, Sammut, Forster, Wood, Gillam, Hopkins, Stack, Iaria.

Tries: Sammut, Ritson (2), Miloudi, Cresswell, Forster

Goals: Shaw 4, Carter 1

Best Monday Night game yet?

Widnes’ clash with Barrow could have arguably been the most entertaining game so far on Monday Night Rugby League.

It was end to end rugby, with plenty of magic, shots and talking points from the game. 

Barrow maintain unbeaten record

Barrow are now four from four in their return to the Championship. Their forward pack were immense, while Sammut and Jake Carter directed the side around the field. Miloudi was also awarded the man of the match on Premier Sports.

They have now defeated Sheffield, Whitehaven, Newcastle and the Vikings.

Magic Miloudi

Hakim Miloudi had one of the best individual performances on the field. The 28-year-old produced two magic assists for Ritson, while crossing for his own try in the second half.

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