BARROW Raiders head coach Paul Crarey said his team would be ‘playing at the top half of the Super League’ if they were able to replicate their first-half performance at the weekend.

The Raiders beat Dewsbury Rams 27-20 at the Northern Competitions Stadium to record their second successive win in the Betfred Championship on Sunday.

Crarey’s side were in a commanding position after four tries in the space of 10 first-half minutes saw them race into a 26-4 lead at the break, but they were forced to withstand a spirited second-half comeback from the newly promoted side.

After a delayed kick-off due to a medical emergency in the crowd, Raiders struggled to get started and found themselves just six points ahead with 13 minutes remaining.

However, a late Ryan Johnston drop goal ensured the hosts went away with the points.  

“I thought we were brilliant in the first half, and good value for our lead,” Crarey told the Club website.

“If we carried on playing how we did in the first half then we’d be playing at the top half of the Super League.

“We spoke at half time about only passing and offloading the ball to someone who we could see, and in the second half we didn’t do that.

“It was a bit like last week. We are playing in fits and starts at the moment. But we’ve managed the game well enough to win, and that’s what it’s all about.

“The best teams win and we won by seven points.

“I’m not going to criticise my players for winning in this division. It is so tough. They’re not a bad side. All of their games have been close so we knew ours could be.

“I pay tribute to Charlie Emslie, who was absolutely magnificent. He carried the ball strong and didn’t put a foot wring defensively.”