Hooker Connor Saunders admits he feels immense pride every time he has represented hometown club Barrow Raiders this season.
The Ulverston amateur has stepped up to feature for the Raiders first team on three occasions in 2022, including during last weekend’s emphatic 62-10 victory away at Newcastle Thunder.
He enjoyed a try-scoring, Man of the Match debut against promotion-chasing Leigh Centurions back in June, and has caught the eye in each of his outings for the club.
Saunders says the chance to link up with Paul Crarey’s squad and test himself away from the amateur game was one he couldn’t turn down.
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“I’ve always dreamed of playing for my hometown ever since I was a little kid,” he said. “My family have always had a box down at Barrow, so I’ve always been a Barrow Raiders supporter.
“When I got the opportunity to come down at the start of the season, it’s something that I wanted to take full advantage of.
“I’ve had three appearances this year so I can’t really complain.”
Playing against the only two full-time opponents in the division may be daunting for some players, but it is a challenge that Saunders has wholeheartedly embraced.
He admits the experience has been invaluable in helping him progress as a player.
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Reflecting on his Raiders debut earlier this year, he said: “It was a dream come true. I didn’t expect to get the call that early or even this season to be honest.
“I thought that I’d have to work a little bit harder and have at least another year to learn the structure, but Paul said that he has been impressed with me and told me that he wanted to give me a chance.
“He wanted to rest Josh Wood against Leigh Centurions, and I thought that I’d just have to take my chance which I felt I did.
“I did a lot during that game and I had a good report back from Paul, which is why I’ve been given more chances with the first team.
“It’s a massive thing for me, and it’s given me so much confidence this year. Since I’ve been at Barrow, I’ve come on massively as a player and as a person.”
In his most recent appearance against full-time Thunder, the Raiders ran in 11 tries as they romped to a fantastic victory on the road.
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Saunders says confidence is sky-high as the club fights to secure fourth spot in the remaining two fixtures of the regular season, with a home elimination play-off tie up for grabs.
“There’s a lot of confidence in the lads at the minute,” he added. “We’re just sticking to our structure, which Paul wants us to play each week.
“The buzz around the place is outstanding. It’s a great feeling to turn up to training with the boys.
“What we’ve achieved this year is something else and I think the fans will agree.”
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