HEAD coach Paul Crarey has hailed Barrow Raiders's performance as ‘outstanding' as they beat North Wales Crusaders by 44 points to eight.

Crarey was pleased following Sunday’s win over their League 1 rivals as they cemented their place at the top of the table.

It was a memorable day for the team and fans alike, as Raiders supporters returned to Craven Park for the first time in over 14 months.

Speaking after the game, Crarey said: “I thought we were outstanding.

“It was great to have a crowd – there were 1,900 people in here, the ground is still packed at the marquee end and it was just a great day.

“We missed a few chances in that first half that we have picked up on the video.

“I thought we scored some brilliant tries and were good across the board defensively.

“We spoke about Jarred Stack’s 250th performance today and Sam Dowsett making his debut, and we wanted to make it a day to remember for them fellas – and we certainly did that.”

It was a proud day for Stack as he reached a big milestone in his Barrow career and capped it off with a try in the second half.

Boyhood Raiders fan Dowsett made his first appearance for the Craven Park outfit as he came on as a substitute for Crarey’s side.

On a warm day in Barrow, the Raiders were on fire and put themselves two points clear of second-placed Workington Town after they were beaten by Doncaster at Derwent Park yesterday.

Crarey added: “There were a couple of lapses at the end, but it was a red-hot day, we were pretty busted up at the end and we used all our subs up.

“All in all, it was a really good performance against a strengthened side, so I am really pleased.

“We keep our feet firmly on the ground. I think they call me miserable and all that, but I know how easy it is to slip up.

“We have been promoted before, but I just know how easy it is to slip up.

“You only have to look today at Rochdale who got beat at Coventry, so if you’re not ready in any game this year, we will get turned over.”

Coventry Bears picked up their second win of the season yesterday when they shocked Rochdale with a 38-30 win at the Butts Park Arena.

Rochdale travel to Craven Park on June 12, but Barrow’s focus is now on their next fixture at West Wales Raiders.

Crarey said: “We have got West Wales next week. We will get prepared and the game will be very physical.”