THE Barrow Raiders boss has said this season could go “right down to the wire” following an impressive win at the weekend over London Skolars.

Paul Crarey has spoken of how happy he has been with his table-topping side for their impressive displays this season and wants to carry that in to the last two games of the season.

His side took a decisive 38-24 victory over the London-based club at the weekend to maintain their 100 per cent home record.

“I thought we had a mixed bunch out there as we were down to our last 17 players due to injury,” Crarey said.

“We had one middle player, two hookers, and a centre on the bench and lost Ryan Duffy during the match due to injury.

“It was difficult because London are a big side.

“Having said that we played very well in the first half and then in the second we were starting to get a bit tired.”

He said it was good to get back to winning ways after two tough losses away from home and is keen to see them get the job done again next week against a tough Rochdale side, who are looking to bounce back from a loss against North Wales Crusaders.

Crarey is hoping to get some more players back before the next game to help maintain their top position in League 1.

“It is in our hands again and others are fighting for that spot, so it is going to be a real tight end to the season,” he continued.

“Everyone has done well to make it a really competitive season for the fans.

“The lads coming back after having Covid have struggled in the early games with their fitness but that is something everyone has to deal with and it is not just us so we are not making that as an excuse, but it has been a very difficult season.

“But to be around that top two spot all season is a fantastic achievement.

"We have had a lot of senior players out and at Hunslet we had 12 local players who did really well and academy players who have had outstanding seasons.

“It is easy for people to criticise but we aim to focus on the positive things.

“These are people who have done well for the club and we should give them praise and maybe a little slack when the results don’t quite go our way.

“It is not all about winning and losing at Barrow rugby.

"It is about community and everything that is put in place to create longevity.

“Eventually we will get to where we need to be.

"We have done the hard yards and I think we deserve to go up as champions if we get that result next week.”