RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood has offered his congratulations to Barrow Raiders for their success in clinching the 2009 Co-operative Championship League Leaders’ Shield.

A bonus point at Sheffield Eagles on Thursday night was enough for Barrow to secure top spot in their first season since they were promoted to the Championship.

“Barrow are to be congratulated for a magnificent achievement in what has been the most competitive Championship season we have ever seen,” said Wood.

“Barrow have made great strides in recent years and this success is reward for a great deal of hard work by the players, coaching staff and officials at the club.”

Barrow will be presented with the League Leaders’ Shield at their home play-off tie on the weekend of September 17-20, when their likely opponents will be Halifax if the West Yorkshire club defeat Toulouse at The Shay on Saturday night.

The closeness at the top of the table is reflected at the other end of the Championship ladder where the relegation battle could also be decided by a bonus point this weekend.

With Doncaster already relegated, the three teams above them – Batley Bulldogs, Gateshead Thunder and Leigh Centurions – are all level on 29 points.

“It’s going to be an exciting climax to what has been a gripping Championship season,” added Wood.

“The level of unpredictability has been exceptional all year and that will continue this weekend when every fixture carries so much significance for every team.

“The quality of the Rugby League in the Championship has been a credit to all the clubs in the division and I’m sure we will see the high standards maintained throughout the play-offs and the Grand Final.”