Whitehaven held on for a 13-8 win at Wigton as they adapted better to the conditions.
The heavens had opened just before kick-off and continued for the first 25 minutes making conditions heavy and ball handling tricky.
It proved to be an even game largely fought out in the middle of the pitch. But Whitehaven were physically bigger and Wigton lacked the physicality and experience to play the conditions, although they never stopped trying.
Whitehaven opened the scoring with a penalty from Jordan Scott after a high tackle in midfield.
Then when Whitehaven’s backs punched a hole through the centre Rocco Okesene was yellow-carded for a high tackle.
From the ensuing penalty Haven handled well and made full use of the extra man out wide to score an unconverted try through Tom Glover. It was still 8-0 at half-time.
The second-half followed a similar pattern with Wigton out-muscled in contact and they just couldn’t find the extra pass to use the space out wide.
From one attack Stuart Carruthers did kick a penalty but they couldn’t push on as the conditions worsened.
With 10 minutes left Whitehaven scored their second unconverted try through Todd Wood following a kick and chase.
Then with six minutes left Wigton did manage to put together some phases and young winger Will Hodgson was put clear to produce an excellent finish and a debut try.
Haven held on for the closing stages and in the end had too much physical strength and experience in the conditions for their hosts.
