RAIDERS coach Paul Crarey was full of pride after witnessing a memorable display against the undefeated League Shield winners as the two top teams battled in the late summer heat much to the delight of the appreciative supporters on both sides.

“I thought we started the game really slow and bombed a chance with our first set and they came back with a 90-metre play from which they scored and from there a bit of confidence drained from the side,” he said.

“Knowing what Toulouse are capable of we conceded a few soft tries but we then gained a bit of belief and found a way to get back into the game, we scored two tries ourselves then it was a contest and game on”

“I felt for long periods of the game we were equal though we bombed a few chances but I think it was all about the performance for us and about us having a few senior players were left at home who couldn’t get off work or who had slight knocks”

“We wanted to bring these players to France to feel the experience and we know we wouldn’t have any fear if we had to come back again.

“Again it was about wanting to bring this squad here to really ‘feel’ the atmosphere, the ground, the weather the crowd and the conditions we live in before we play and everything that goes with it.”

Crarey appreciated what is required when a team travels to France.

“We are a side on the up and we come here with nine straight wins and we came here against a very good team. To beat a team like Toulouse your preparation has to be good and that’s taken away from any side who comes here because of the travel because of the stop-overs and because you are a part-time team, even Leigh struggled and they are a full-time outfit.”

The Raiders coach praised his players for the effort put in, appreciating the difficulties faced and at the same time showing his respect for the job done by Toulouse coach Sylvain Houles.

“I take my hat off to these players because when they get home tomorrow they’ll be back at work on Monday and all week. The Toulouse team have to do it almost every week so the coach here has done a great job. OK, many are full-timers, but they are a great side and they play great rugby at times”

Paul had previously expressed concern over fitness levels being affected by the travelling but was happy with the response.

“We’re a pretty fit outfit and we managed our subs pretty well and I felt we were still strong at the end of the game. We attacked the line and matched them physically from play one to the last play of the game”.

Paul Crarey praised the hospitality during the team’s stay in Toulouse but felt it too easy to lose track of the reality of the mission.

“If a team is travelling here, being put in a hotel with a pool and whatever and are being treated like kings as we have been the perception to the players is of a bit of a holiday and a bit relaxed but then you come into a really ferocious quick environment and you have to adjust and the start of the game showed that. We were slack early on then reality hit but credit to the boys because we came back.”

Crarey remains confident for the remainder of the season after having given a good account of themselves in France and also after having beaten all of the play-off rivals earlier in the season.

“I think we can play and compete with any side as we proved today. The problem is if you don’t turn up on the day you’ll get beaten but every game will be tough whether it is here again or at home where we have fantastic support. I know the town will get behind us and there will be a big crowd to help us too.

“Some teams may see us as vunerable after coming here what with the travel fatigue but we are ready to play anyone and confident we can compete against anyone.”