ROSSENDALE Raptors put their national shield last four exit behind them with a stunning victory over league leaders Birmingham Mets.

The Raptors, sitting in third place in the table and eyeing a promotion push, ran out 91-59 winners in a game that pleased coach Ken Masser.

He said: “The first half was one of the best performances that we’ve put together this season. We played very well.

“At half time we worked hard to keep the players grounded and focused as we knew Birmingham would come back strong.

“To their credit, the guys continued to be aggressive and executed our game plan at both ends of the floor, and we got an important and encouraging win.”

Raptors travel to Northants Thunder on Saturday where a win will put the Raptors top of the National League Division Three table.

But Masser was keen to play down anyone getting carried away with title talk.

He added: “We have seven tough games left and we’re determined to take them one at a time.”

Against the Mets, who had only lost just three matches prior to the weekend, the Raptors 20-14 at the end of the first quarter but a stunning second quarter saw them open up a 49-22 lead.

The home side never looked back and won the third quarter 21-12 to lead 70-34.

Despite the Mets battling back in the final quarter the Raptors had more than enough in the tank to hold on to the victory.