WEST Wales Raiders chairman Andrew Thorne admitted the record-breaking humiliation at the hands of York City Knights was a "wake-up call" for his fledgling club.

The Welsh minnows, rehoused and rebranded after their struggles as South Wales Scorpions, were already at the bottom of Betfred League One after shipping 288 points in their four previous games.

The 144-0 thumping at Bootham Crescent, though, was a new low, leaving the Raiders on the wrong end of a professional rugby league record scoreline on these shores.

It has already left many onlookers asking if the Welsh outfit should be allowed to continue in the pro game.

Thorne said: "It was a disappointing day to say the least. We had a lesson on how far we have to go and how good some of the sides in this league really are.

“After sitting in the stand listening to the crowd it was a wake-up call on how difficult this league actually is.

"This season we have put so much effort into sorting off the field out to ensure the club is sustainable, the board have taken their eye off the on-field stuff.

“I fully understand that players don’t come into the sport to end up on record-beating scores each week and regardless of the reason it is something we have to address quickly.

“I can’t fault the players’ commitment and hope the experienced players are in it for the long haul.

“We aren’t getting the best out of our players and unfortunately I don’t think all our players are ready for this level yet.

“No excuses need to be given we just need to look at what’s in our control and make changes."

He added: “Thank you to all the players, staff and supporters who have stuck with us and we hope you will continue to help build the sport back in Wales.”