Barrow Raiders head coach Paul Crarey has praised his side for their resilient performance in harsh conditions as they claimed an 18-4 victory over Cumbrian rivals Whitehaven.
Despite the wet and windy weather, 1,795 turned out to support the Cumbrian clash at the LEL stadium.
The rain battered pitch made playing scrappy at times, however, that did not stop the Raiders from putting in a flawless first-half performance, scoring 18 points and keeping Whitehaven scoreless. The wind was relentless yet Ryan Shaw was able to convert three of his four attempts.
The second-half saw the Raiders’ hold onto their lead, an almost perfect defensive display in which Whitehaven scored just one try, with the game finishing 4-18 to the visitors.
REPORT: Whitehaven 4-18 Barrow Raiders
Speaking post-match, Crarey hailed his side for their rugged and determined performance even in unfavourable conditions against the backdrop of an important derby.
“The way we started for the first 40 minutes, to go in 18-0 up at half time is phenomenal really [despite the conditions]” he said.
“We played some great football, and that’s the story of us. It was difficult to play in that second-half.
“It was a fantastic peformance to come up here – in what is a difficult fixture for us and Workington – any Cumbrian side at home is a different animal.
“I think the second-half it was a real Cumbrian derby, both sets of fans were fantastic. I would just like to appreciate all of the Barrow fans that came up – just phenomenal support today.
“We’ve arrived in the Championship and we’ve gone two from two, and I’m very proud of the lads.”
Crarey also praised his side’s mentality in the face of adversity, with the Raiders suffering a couple of injuries, players stepped up when needed.
“The mentality of the these players is really pleasing for me as a coach, that these kids are willing to roll their sleeves up.
“We’re only in week 2 but a fantastic start from us, and we’re two wins from two.”
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