Rossendale Raptors basketball team have reached their highest position for 50 years – as they top the National League Division Four table.

Their 116-41 victory over Mersey Tigers on Saturday took them to the summit and, with two teams promoted, the task is to remain there.

Head coach Jim Fry said: "We’ve worked hard for the last couple of years to get to this point.

"It’s a terrific achievement to have won nine of our first 11 games and to be top of the division.

"The players deserve a lot of credit for stepping up a level and playing well on the National stage. I keep reminding the players that although we’ve done brilliantly so far, we’ve only done half the job and we’re focused on promotion and keeping up our good run of form.

"Hopefully we can keep it going until the end of the season."

Assistant coach and long standing club member Gren Worsley said: "I’ve been involved with the club for many years and it has never been this vibrant, this exciting and in 50 years this is the highest league position we have ever had.

"Having said that, our aim this season is not to be top of the league now, we want to be top of the league at the end of the season.

"With the current crop of players I think we can achieve that and promotion would be a brilliant way to mark our 50th anniversary."

Chairman and player Ken Masser, who has helped boost the club over the last few years in terms of finances and numbers, is on a high.

"We’ve had a brilliant first half of the season in the National League.

"As a player it’s terrific to have the opportunity to play at this level locally and to be part of a winning side.

"As club chairman I’m delighted with the progress we’ve made. The club have been applauded for its professionalism and the quality of the match set-up.

"Our fans are enjoying the games and we’re so grateful for the valley’s support of the team.

"I can’t think of a better way to mark our 50th year than winning a national league title and promotion at the first attempt.

"Although the National League team are our flagship team, their success shouldn’t detract from the brilliant work our junior teams, women, other mens teams and all our brilliant volunteers also do in the community.

"Without them and our sponsors and supporters, we wouldn’t be where we are."

Raptors, based at Haslingden Sports Centre, now have two long-haul trips to fourth placed Hull Wasps and Tees Valley Tigers.

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