Whitehaven could hold their heads high after a very spirited performance in a 46-4 defeat against St Helens.
It was a cracking Cup-tie and the final margin of victory rather flattered the Cup holders who knew they had been in a game.
Whitehaven were compensated by the fact that a crowd of 4,869 flocked to the LEL Arena for the sixth round tie, and were well entertained.
Saints, regarded as the top team in the northern hemisphere, were given a stiff test, particularly in the first half.
The downside for Haven, though, were two injuries both early in the game which lost them the services of two key forwards Liam Cooper (neck) and Tom Wilkinson (shoulder).
Traditionally matches against Super League opposition have a draining effect on teams at a lower level, which can effect performances for a week or two.
Coach Jonty Gorley will be hoping that his bruised and sore troops will have recovered in time for next Sunday’s.
Certainly there looked to be better news on Cooper. There had been a 15-minute delay while he was attended to and then stretchered off. But he was up and about soon after and watched the second-half from the dug-out.
Saints had led 18-0 at half time but the biggest cheer of the game went up early in the second half when home skipper Karl Dixon got over for an unconverted try.
But the longer the game went the tougher it became for the Championship side as they were limited to two substitutes for inter-changes.
Saints pulled away although there was a late chance for a second Whitehaven try but Dave Eccleston dropped the ball as he was heading for the corner.
