BULLS continued their push for a Betfred Championship play-off place with a 42-22 victory at Barrow Raiders today.

Here's T&A sports reporter Brad Deas' take on the match in Cumbria.

Man of the match:

Brandon Pickersgill: Has come in for criticism at times this year, but the full-back was assured and consistent, despite testing conditions. It was particularly tough in the second-half with the wind blowing high kicks all over, but on most occasions he collected well. Rounded his performance off with a try.

Tactics:

Ever-present youngster Matty Storton dropped out after rolling his ankle against Toronto. Hallas made a return to the starting line-up after missing Toronto. Kirk another who drops out.

Moment of the match:

The second try for the Bulls. Not only was it a lovely piece of play, but it came a few minutes after Barrow had levelled the score at 6-6. The nerves might have jingled for Kear’s man had they not responded so emphatically, and it set the tone for the half.

Moan of the match:

The wind caused a lot of problems in the stands, dropping temperatures, but more importantly it meant a tough test for the players on the pitch. At one point, Pickersgill had to move around in four different directions to try catch a swirling kick and even then it swung out his hands.

Player ratings:

Bulls: Pickersgill 9, Hitchcox 7, Evans 7, Oakes 7, Ryan 7, Keyes 8, Lilley 8, Crossley 7, Wildie 6, Hallas 6, Garside 7, Farrell 6, Minchella 8. Interchanges: Wood 7, Flanagan 8, Webster 6, Green 7.

Barrow: Cresswell 7, Ford 7, Paisley 6, Hulme 7, Cross 7, Dallimore 8, White 6, Walker 6, Puara Jnr 7, Riley 6, Smith 7, Walne 6, Susino 6. Interchanges: Johnston 7, Toal 6, Duffy 5, Seguier 6.

Game Guide:

Half-time: 6-32

Referee: Jack Smith

Attendance: 1,471

Bulls – Tries: Keyes, Garside, Ryan, Minchella (2), Flanagan, Oakes, Pickersgill.

Bulls – Goals: Conversions: Keyes 6/8; Penalty Goals: Keyes 1/1

Barrow – Tries: Cross, Dallimore, Ford, Hulme.

Barrow – Goals: Conversions: Dallimore 3/4.

Penalties awarded: Bulls 10, Barrow 5.

Goal-line drop-outs: Bulls 0, Barrow 1.