Pre-season friendly postponed after heavy snowfall

A pre-season outing has been postponed due to the heavy snow that fell overnight in some parts of the country. Barrow Raiders were due to host Cumbrian rivals Whitehaven at Craven Park this afternoon in a trial contest.

However, both clubs have posted on social media to confirm that game has been postponed, with the Raiders posting a picture of the snowy conditions at their home ground.

At the time of writing it is unclear whether the game can or will be rearranged with both club’s having a busy schedule over the remainder of January. Barrow Raiders take on Workington Town on January 12 in a friendly clash before Salford Red Devils make the journey north on January 18 for another pre-season contest.

Whitehaven are due to host Workington on January 19 and that game comes just one week before the club get their Challenge Cup campaign underway over the weekend of January 25-26, when they host Swinton Lions. Barrow have been drawn to face Crosfields or Maryport over the same weekend.

Match postponed! ❌❄️

Following heavy snow overnight, this afternoon’s pre-season friendly against @OfficialHavenRl has been postponed. pic.twitter.com/zNd2Dvwokw

— Barrow Raiders (@BarrowRaiders) January 5, 2025

As a League One club, Anthony Murray’s Whitehaven will also be in 1895 Cup action in February, with a trip to Midlands Hurricanes in the first week of February on the schedule with the winner set for a clash with Keighley Cougars.

Barrow finished 11th in the Championship last season and they’ll be pushing to improve on that under the guidance of Paul Crarey, with Ellis Robson, Ryan King, Curtis Teare and Alex Bishop being brought in.

Whitehaven, on the other hand, dropped out of the second tier last year and they’ll be doing all they can to push themselves towards promotion.

Fortunately, the all-Cumbria affair was the only friendly organised for this weekend, with a host of games being lined up for next week, with the likes of Castleford Tigers and Warrington Wolves in action.