Johnston delighted by Barrow win

Rooney celebrated his new two-year deal with three successful goals

Barrow Raiders chairman Des Johnston has paid tribute to the club's players after they beat Halifax 26-18 to win Sunday's Championship Grand Final.

"It was a lot of hard work in August to get this squad together," Johnston told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"We thoroughly deserved this for all the hard work we put in."

And director Dave Nixon added: "The financial boost we get is less important than the kudos of actually winning the Championship."

For coach Dave Clark, the win marked the end of a mixed season personally, after he was displaced by Steve Deakin midway through the season, then returned to lead the club through the play-offs and to an eventual Grand Final appearance.

And Clark hailed the players for maintaining their focus amid all the upheaval at Craven Park.

"They've performed each week and sacrificed a lot and to get the end result tonight is a credit to them, the club and [the chairman] for brining players in," said Clark.

"The spectators today were absolutely fantastic and everybody deserves it in Barrow."

Clark's own future remains in doubt despite the success, but the Australian coach said he would love to remain in South Lakeland for the foreseeable future.

If I have to do a role cleaning the boys' boots, then I'll clean the boys' boots.

Raiders coach Dave Clark

"I love Barrow rugby league, I've got a family here and I'd do anything for the club - whether it's to step down or step back in, I'll do whatever I need to do," he said.

"I want to be a part of rugby league, and hopefully if we get together a case for Super League I can still be around for a part of it.

"If I have to do a role cleaning the boys' boots, then I'll clean the boys' boots."

Clark's side were impressive in their victory at the Halliwell-Jones Stadium in Warrington, their performance capped by Andreas Bauer's late try and a conversion from stand-off Jamie Rooney, who celebrated making his loan move from Wakefield Trinity Wildcats permanent with three conversions.

606: DEBATE

What does this mean for Barrow and Cumbrian rugby league as a whole?

And Nixon, whose son James has been an integral figure in the side on the left wing, added: "To say we've only just been promoted last year, got to the final of the Northern Rail Cup, won the league, and then to win the Grand Final - I think there will have been some beer drunk in Barrow last night."

Just reaching the final boosted Barrow's hopes of obtaining a Super League licence and the club will now be able to apply for a place when the renewals come around in 2011.