Whitehaven had to withstand a Dewsbury revival before coming out on top 20-18 for a fourth successive home win.
They had looked to be well in control at half-time leading 18-0 but the inconsistency which has spoiled them during the season so far almost cost them the game.
Haven had gone ahead on 15 minutes when full-back Louis Jouffret broke the line and got over for an unconverted try.
The Cumbrians soon added to their lead when Nikau Williams followed-up a little grubber kick to get the touchdown and Lachlan Walmsley added the conversion.
Gary Charlton’s men continued to dominate and they scored a third try after a great passing move ended with Andrew Bulman scoring out wide.
Just before half-time Whitehaven appeared to be coasting when Bulman scored his second try in the corner.
The Rams might have capitulated after last week’s demoralising home defeat to struggling Swinton Lions, but they produced a spirited second-half display which almost got them something from the game.
The fight-back started on 55 minutes when Andy Gabriel scored the first try and Paul Sykes converted and three minutes later they were in again through Jordan Schofield with Sykes again converting.
Whitehaven needed the extra cushion of a Walmsley penalty for an eight point lead but on 74 minutes Davey Dixon scored another try for the Rams and Sykes’ conversion made it a two point game.
Dion Aiye dropped the ball over the Dewsbury line when he could have sealed it so there were some anxious final moments before the final hooter.
