Barrow Raiders v Halifax Panthers preview: Fax hoping to ‘fight on all fronts’ in 2027 as most Championship sides clash in 1895 Cup this weekend

It is less than three years since Fax triumphantly lifted the 1895 Cup trophy after beating Batley Bulldogs 12-10 in a dramatic final at Wembley - the club’s first visit to the national stadium since 1988.

Joyous days like August 13, 2023, however, seemed very far away less than two months ago, after the club was placed into compulsory liquidation in a High Court hearing.

But Fax are alive and kicking again, despite just a second defeat since reformation at home to one of the Championship favourites Oldham last Sunday.

Kyle Eastmond’s men now face a tough trip to Cumbria this Sunday, April 19, to face Barrow Raiders (kick off 3pm), in a re-arranged league match which was cancelled after the old club’s demise, and will be played when other Championship teams are competing in the first round of this season’s 1895 Cup.

Fax director Adam Butterfield told the Courier: “The lads gave it a really good go at the weekend. They just fell short to a well-oiled Oldham team who were second favourites to go up at the beginning of the year, and, given everything we have gone through, it was great we gave it a good go.

“I spent a lot of time after the game sat outside and taking it all in and reflecting on the fight and spirit in such a small team that we have got - injuries are still preventing us from having our strongest team out. We are having victories off the field, there was another good home crowd and there were still a lot of positives that came out of that game.”

On the importance of the 1895 Cup to the club next season, Butterfield said: “Going into 2027 we will be fully focussed on the league and the 1895 Cup. We will certainly be hoping to fight on all fronts available to us next year.

“But let’s get to the end of this year first. We are fortunate to still have a team to support but we are fighting to finish as high as we can in the league, and Kyle is confident we can beat anyone on the day.”

And that confidence is high ahead of the trip to Barrow this Sunday.

Butterfield said: “Anything Kyle and the team needs travel-wise we try to make sure they have got the best available, as well as the ability to get up there in comfort, the ability to stretch off, to get there on time, and also to help the strength and conditioning team get what they need.

“It’s a long one for the lads. They leave The Shay at 7.30am on Sunday morning, and will probably not be getting back until 9pm at night. For part-time rugby, Barrow is a long day and it is never an easy place to go and get anything from. Fingers crossed we can get something from it.

“With Kyle and his team, and how the lads dug in against Oldham, I am hopeful we will get the two points.”