Championship Talk: Raider's resurgence

CHAMPIONSHIP TALK

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Raider’s resurgence

THE Betfred Championship relegation battle is likely to have a few twists and turns yet, with the form of Barrow Raiders throwing an extra dimension into the scramble.

       

Paul Crarey’s side head into this weekend’s clash with Toulouse having won three of their last four league matches, dragging them back onto terms with 12th placed Dewsbury and just a point behind Swinton and Widnes.

       

Bottom club Rochdale start the weekend seven points from safety ahead of a must-win match against the Lions that probably represents their last chance to try and save themselves.       

       

But above them there are now five teams separated by just three points, up to ninth-placed Batley Bulldogs.

       

The Vikings’ position is something of a falsity, given that they have won 11 matches this season and had 12 points deducted for entering administration.

       

But Kieron Purtill’s side will be fully aware they still need to chalk up the victories required to survive, and Barrow’s resurgence has put a bit more pressure on everybody.

       

It started with a thumping home win over Rochdale that restored some confidence, and after defeat at Purtill’s Widnes, they have produced superb wins over Halifax and Featherstone.

       

The away win at Rovers on Sunday was particularly impressive given the form of the opposition, who were swept aside in the second half by Paul Crarey’s side in a 38-16 win.

       

The experienced and popular Crarey has always maintained his belief in his squad despite one of the toughest runs with injuries in the competition.

       

The club has also stuck firm to its stance of not using dual registration despite most of the clubs around them utilising it, and that faith now appears to be paying off.

       

Papua New Guinean pair Wartovo Puara and Stargroth Amean have been outstanding of late, while local fullback Luke Cresswell scored a hat-trick at Featherstone.

       

In Jamie Dallimore they have a halfback who knows how to win at this level, and they have a host of experienced forwards that are helping to lay a platform.

       

The board has shown a willingness to back Crarey as well, bringing in new signings that could be crucial for the run-in, in halfback Ben White and back row or centre Liam Paisley.

       

There’s plenty of rugby still to be played in a battle that could go right down to the wire - but Barrow and Crarey have certainly given themselves a fighting chance now.