IT’S not been the start to the season most Whitehaven fans would have expected, but it’s finally up and running now after a 54-10 home win over Doncaster.

A narrow defeat at Keighley followed by a home reversal in midweek to Batley had put Whitehaven’s Northern Rail Cup qualification in jeopardy.

If Barrow win their last two games at Doncaster on Wednesday and at home tom Keighley next Sunday they should pip Whitehaven, even if they beat Town in Sunday’s derby.

Certainly in the first half at the Recreation Ground it looked as though Haven were going to make-up comprehensively for their opening defeats. They swept into a 40-0 half-time lead and everyone sat back expecting a feast of points on the resumption.

But it didn’t work out like that as Haven appeared to take their foot off the gas; Doncaster to their credit showed more resolve and the Cumbrians only shaded the second 40 minutes 14-10.

It was near-hand perfect for Haven in the first-half when Doncaster had no answer to their pace and power.

The home side went in front inside a minute when a kick on first tackle from Carl Rudd found Derry Eilbeck in pursuit and able to gather to go in at the corner.

Spencer Miller showed his strength to get over the line after five minutes and Dylan Skee landed the first of his six conversions from seven attempts.

Rudd created a second try for Eilbeck, again with a kick, but this time from last tackle and on 21 minutes young centre Reece Fox got over.

Former Egremont amateur Richard Farrer showed up well soon afterwards with a powerful burst and when Kyle Amor took on the charge as well Doncaster’s defence was scattered to allow full-back Craig Benson to shoot through and score under the posts.

A kick and chase set up the next score. Although Craig Calvert was taken-out by a Doncaster player when he looked favourite, it didn’t cost Haven because Spencer Miller was following up to grab his second touchdown.

Five minutes before the break Farrer capped an excellent display from the bench when he charged over from short range and Whitehaven were out of sight.

The game won, Whitehaven did not play at the same tempo in the second half and they allowed Doncaster to come at them for virtually the first time in the game.

Stand-off Grant Edwards sent in from close range and then winger Scott Wilson followed a kick by scrum-half Crag Fawcett to make the touchdown. Fawcett converted the first one.

What had started as a possible St. Valentine’s Day massacre had turned into a cosy love-in, although Whitehaven did finish on top.

Amor got on the end of a Rudd kick to score, and this time Marc Jackson converted before Eilbeck completed his hat-trick with a try in the last minute.

As usual MAL WALKER was our man at the Recreation Ground and his featured shots capture Richard Farrer's try; Kyle Amrt's touchdown and Rob Jackson's kick ahead.

Mal's prints can can be bought at £25 for an A4 framed and £40 for an A3 framed. Prints only are £10 A4 and £15 A3.  

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