PAUL Crarey hailed Barrow Raiders' defence as playing a major part in the 46-6 victory over Doncaster which saw them book their place in this Saturday's Kingstone Press League One play-off finals.

The Raiders ran in eight tries during the match, with Dan Toal and Chris Fleming grabbing two apiece, but had to withstand some sustained pressure from the visitors – particularly during the first half after Kyle Kesik had got Doncaster on the scoreboard with a converted try.

But some superb tackling and getting the numbers in place to prevent Doncaster doing too much damage with their offloading game, as well as forcing a number of errors, laid the foundations for the hosts to run out comfortable winners in the end.

“I think we were in control from minute one,” said Barrow head coach Crarey. “I think the game got a bit scrappy, but it was always going to be when you start racking up points.

“Defensively, we were superb. We didn't control the ball that well at times, but on our goal-line it was the third set they scored. To only concede six points again the side running fourth in the competition and score 46 is testament to the preparation of our boys and the mindset.

“I take my hat off to them to defend like that at the end of the season when it really matters, and they came up with the goods.”

Standing in Barrow's way of a return to the Championship are Toulouse Olympique, who saw off a depleted York City Knights 62-10 in the other semi-final and will be aiming to make amends for losing the title decider to Rochdale Hornets on their home turf nine days ago.

Crarey knows the odds are stacked against his side, particularly with the travelling they are likely to face, but does not believe there is any reason the Raiders cannot seek to emulate Rochdale and overcome the side which went through the regular season and Super Eight unbeaten when they return to the South of France.

“It's onwards and upwards, and we've got one shot at promotion,” said Crarey. “Rochdale have proved anything can happen.

“Toulouse haven't seen the best of us. We've haven't performed that well in the two games they've played against us – far from it – so we've got that little bit of quality up our sleeves they haven't seen.

“If we go set-for-set with them and the longer we're in the game, we've got a chance. It's a big ask and can it be done again?

“They'll be ready for us, but we'll certainly be ready for one shot at promotion.”