Whitehaven coach Jonty Gorley admitted Workington Town were the better side for long periods of their Summer Bash clash at Headingley.
But it was Whitehaven who came out on top 28-10 to virtually wrap-up Championship survival for another year.
“At the end of the day a win is a win and we will take that, although once again we did not play as well as we are capable.
“It was a familiar story in the first half particulatly when we just didn’t complete enough sets. I don’t think there was much doubt that Town had looked the better side and we hadn’t deserved our 12-4 lead.
“Although they came back to within two points I thought we did better in the second although it was only really in the last ten minutes when we did enough to earn the points.
“That’s two out of two against them in the Championship and I’m hoping we can complete the treble at Derwent Park,” said Gorley.
An injury-ravaged campaign has meant Haven have not been able to emulate last season’s exploits and make the play-offs.
Although looking save, with Dewsbury and Town looking increasingly detached, Haven effectively need another two points to confirm that.
There remaining games are: August 7, Sheffield (A); Aug 14, Widnes (H); Aug 21, Bradford (A); Aug 28, London Broncos (H); September 4, Workington (A); September 10, Newcastle (H).
Whitehaven have just announced that their final game against Newcastle Thunder will now kick off at 3pm on Saturday, 10th September rather than the previously scheduled 5.30pm.