Kingstone Press League 1 Preview: Barrow Raiders v North Wales Crusaders

Barrow Raiders coach Paul Crarey was happy with his side’s 38-12 victory over London Skolars.

“We’re always happy with a win, especially the way we are at the moment with a few injuries,” he said.

“We had a lot of young kids out on Sunday. We started off really well, got bogged down with some slow rucks but scored some good tries and got the win.

“We were a bit flat, so we’re looking for a bit more enthusiasm this week against North Wales because it will be really tough. They’re going well and putting points on the board but they’ve also come unstuck a couple of times.

“We’ve been pretty good at home this year, so it will be a big test for both sides. Whoever stays in the grind the longest will win. We only lost the game away to them at the back end when we ran out of bodies.

“They will be well-drilled and can call on dual-registered players, so we’re preparing for a tough game. We’ve got Jamie Tracey in from Leigh this week, a raw-boned back rower who hits hard and runs hard.”

Prop Anthony Bate is a doubt with a back problem and loose forward Danny Toal has a knee injury but Crarey is hopeful that both will be fit.

North Wales Crusaders won their derby match against South Wales Scorpions 56-10.

Coach Anthony Murray said: “It was a good result. It was a derby game so I was really pleased with how we went about our business. To score 56 points and only concede 10 was really pleasing; we’ve scored over 100 points in our last two games and conceded 14, so I’ve got to be pleased with that.

“It’s going to be a totally different game on Saturday. Obviously Barrow, like ourselves, are up near the top of the table and their home form has been very good this year so it will be a difficult day for us.

“It’s an important fixture and one we firmly believe we can get something out of. It will be tough but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Wing Rob Massam returns as do loose forward Gary Middlehurst and Ben Jullien.