DARREN Carter was impressed with the defensive improvements made by Furness Raiders as they made it three wins out of three in the College Rugby League Premier Division at Tyne Met College on Wednesday.

The Raiders ran out 28-6 victors at Kingston Park, the home of Newcastle Thunder and Aviva Premiership rugby union side Newcastle Falcons, with Ryan Johnston scoring two tries and kicking four goals, plus Jack Cairns, Jake Carter and Tyler Batty adding one try apiece.

But it was the defence from the visiting side which most pleased head coach Carter, particularly after being an area of focus in Monday night’s training session in the wake of the 25-24 win at home to Wakefield College.

“We thought our defensive structures were really poor in that Wakefield game and we highlighted that on the video, and our training sessions were based around that,” said Carter.

“That area was outstanding and the way we defended was probably the highlight of the night. It was really pleasing that we put something into practise we worked on and we were really happy with that area of our game.

“We probably could have scored a few more points had we been a bit more composed as well. We made breaks quite a lot against them and the lack of composure at vital times cost us, and we dropped quite a bit of ball in good areas. It’s all part of the lessons learnt.

“We had a young side out, quite a lot of the older lads didn’t go, and the Newcastle team were a really good side and I’m sure they’re going to start picking some wins up because I was really impressed with how they were.”

Carter was full of praise for his young side, which contained three 16-year-olds and nine 17-year-olds, with Batty, Eric Hill, and Danny Wright on his return from injury, all earning plaudits from him as well.

And he hopes they can continue to acquit themselves in the manner on and off the field which has led to them making a flying start to life in the College Rugby League competition.

“The facilities at Kingston Park were absolutely out of this world and it was a really good experience for the players to be playing in a stadium with facilities as good as that,” said Carter.

“It was a great occasion, really. The lads are absolutely on fire at the moment. Their attitude towards things is really good and they’re all in a really good place at the moment.

“It’s tiring because they’re getting back late at night, but it’s making it worthwhile when they’re reaping the rewards, and that’s through playing for each other, putting on some good displays, and some of them are playing really well.”