The Welsh side's defence was cruelly exposed for an hour, as Barrow ran in six tries through James Nixon (three), Liam Finch (two) and Darren Holt.

Crusaders fought back with a superb last 25 minutes as Tony Duggan, Paul Morgan and David Simm all crossed.

But the visitors had left themselves with too much to do and Barrow were able to hold out.

Crusaders coach John Dixon said: "Barrow were especially good on the off-loads and that was what helped to beat us.

"But we have to put that behind us and look towards the game against Hunslet at Aberavon next Sunday."

Barrow Raiders: Michael Basan, James Finch, Phil Atkinson, Liam Harrison, James Nixon, Liam Finch, Darren Holt (capt), Paul Raftery, Chris Archer, Matt Blake, Paul Wilcock, Brett McDermott, Mike Whitehead. Subs: Jamie Marshall, Geoff Luxon, Anthony Horton, Jamie Butler.

Tries: Nixon (4, 8, 47), Finch (28, 49), Holt (38)

Goals: Holt 4/6

Celtic Crusaders: Tony Duggan, Lenny Woodard, Dean Scully, Geraint Davies, Paul Morgan, Luke Young, Damien Quinn, Ryan Barton, Michael Hook, Phil Cushion, Karl Hocking, Shawn van Rensburg, David Simm. Subs: Kevin Ellis, Hywel Davies, Matt Jobson, Anthony Seibold.

Tries: Duggan (55), Morgan (67), Simm (76)

Goals: Quinn 2/3

Referee: P Carr

Attendance: 979

Half-time: 20-0

Man of the Match: James Nixon (Barrow)