Whitehaven coach Gary Charlton believes that Sunday’s home game against Halifax is a defining moment for the sport in the town.
As Haven battle for a play-off place in the Championship over the last two matches Charlton feels that the fans must back the team or risk a decline in standards.
The coach said: “If we can’t pull 1,500 fans for a key game like this when we are playing some exciting rugby and pushing for the play-offs then we won’t see that figure again, apart maybe for a derby match.
“The Whitehaven public has to back the team now when it is doing so well so that the club can invest in strengthening it and taking us forward.
“I really do feel as though Sunday could define which way the club is going.”
Charlton was speaking after a super 22-14 win at Batley, backing-up the previous week’s demolition of Widnes Vikings.
“Over the last two months the players have been phenomenal. The win over Widnes saw us playing the most exciting, expansive rugby I have see from the team in my time.
“To back that up with a win at Batley, a notoriously difficult place to go and win, was a remarkable achievement.
“Three or four times they got over our line but our defence simply wouldn’t let them get the ball down. Players working hard for their mates alongside them was great to see.
“But with ball in hand we asked them questions as well and to score two good tries late on got them their reward. There’s just no stopping them at the minute.
“Halifax will be tough as they are third in the table for a reason but I thought we were unlucky to lose there earlier in the season and if we continue to play as we have been are more than capable of exacting revenge.”
Haven complete their season at Bradford while their main rivals for a sixth place finish, London Broncos have to host second-placed Featherstone Rovers and then go to York City Knights.
Unfortunately two of Whitehaven’s senior prop forwards won’t play any further part in Haven’s season. Skipper Mark Shackley has a recurring knee problem which will require an operation while Tom Walker has a damaged quad muscle.
