ROSSENDALE Raptors have gone clear at the top of National League Four North thanks to the sharp-shooting of Steven Gayle.

Following double victories over Mersey Tigers and Middlesbrough Lions last week, Raptors were just too good for bottom-of-the-table Mold Magic – and it was Gayle who did most of the damage.

The former Chester Jets star scored 32 points as Dale breezed to a 98-58 victory.

Gayle remains top of the National League scoring charts.

The Valley side led 25-19 at the end of the first quarter with Gayle beginning to find his range. Aitor Estrada sank a three-pointer in the second quarter on his way to his personal haul of 10 points.

Romanian Jon Slabu kicked off the second half with six quick points but was withdrawn soon after with 16 points to his name after his fourth foul. Matt Ngara and John Allerston posted 10 points apiece as the Raptors wrapped up victory.

With five games remaining, the Raptors are right int he hunt for th title after closest rivals Stockport Falcons lost at Hull.

But with Dale still to face local rivals Burnley and title contenders Stockport, there is still plenty of hard work to do.