R League: Crusaders end Raiders’ record

Aug 6 2007 by Phil Blanche, Western Mail

Barrow 24-26 Crusaders

CELTIC CRUSADERS won a tense top-of-the-table clash to end Barrow’s unbeaten home record.

The Crusaders signalled their intentions with a long-range, fourth-minute penalty from Jace Van Dijk and bounced back after Barrow had claimed the lead.

Tony Duggan pounced for two tries before half-time to take his season’s tally to 30.

Duggan was also the provider for the next try, setting up Rob Toshack to run home on 32 minutes, before Mark Dalle Cort barged his way over to give Crusaders a 10-point interval advantage. Barrow showed what they’re made of with a stirring second-half show to reduce the deficit, but the Crusaders held on even though they didn’t score in the second period.

Crusaders operations manager Gerald McCarthy said, “We’ve had four away games in four weeks, played the top two sides and won every game.

“Special credit to all the players, but in my book Neale Wyatt was the outstanding player as he has been throughout the last month.

“It was a great victory as Barrow were a far better side than Featherstone last week. They gave us a great game.”

Barrow Raiders: Tries – M Whitehead (2), J Finch, M Basan; goals – D Holt (4)

Celtic Crusaders: Tries – T Duggan (2), R Toshack, M Dalle Cort; goals – J Van Dijk (5)

WARRINGTON swept to a 43-24 victory, their fourth win in a row to pile on the agony for trouble-torn Wigan following their embarrasing Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Catalan Dragons last week.

The Wolves, with skipper Lee Briers masterminding the show, romped into a 25-6 interval lead to maintain their march up the Super League table.