In a pulsating Cumbrian derby Whitehaven earned the bragging rights, but more importantly the points, in a 16-14 win at Barrow.
It was a vital victory for the west Cumbrians to lift them fourth bottom and left Barrow just ahead of Newcastle at the bottom and three points adrift of Haven.
Barrow had gone closest early on when Shane Toal was put into touch as he tried to dive in at the corner and then Danny Langtree knocked-on just short of the Haven line.
At the other end Karl Dixon was held up just short as both sides showed they were up for the contest and defending vigorously and effectively.
It got a bit feisty after 22 minutes when punches were thrown and it ended with Barrow’s Jack Ewells being sent to the sin bin.
Whitehaven immediately made their man advantage tell four minutes later. They moved the ball smartly in attack and finished the move with Ryan King diving over for his first try on his return from Halifax.
The visitors were able to double their lead on 32 minutes with Barrow still down to 12 when Scott Teare finished off smartly by dotting down in the corner for a second unconverted try.
Barrow needed something before half-time and they got it on 36 minutes when Jarrod Sammut put up a high kick which soared over Dave Eccleston. There was a frantic race for the loose ball and it was Ryan Johnstonn who got there first to claim the try which Sammut converted.
Barrow almost grabbed the lead before the break but both Langtree and Rio Corkill were denied near the line.
Seven minutes into the second half Barrow were level with a simple penalty from Sammut in front of the sticks.
But five minutes later Haven were back in front when the powerful Dion Aiye was too strong for the Barrow defence as he crashed through for the try converted by Josh Rourke.
Again Barrow came back level. On 58 minutes another bomb from Sammut caused Haven problems and their former winger Andrew Bulman was able to palm it back for skipper Jarrad Stack to gather and dive over. Sammut converted.
The clock had to be stopped after 61 minutes for a stupid disturbance in the crowd but when play resumed it was virtually set-for-set from the two sides with no breakthrough.
On 67 minutes, however, Haven were awarded a penalty for offside and Rourke slotted it home to give them a narrow two point lead.
There was a late chance for Barrow to share the spoils but Sammut was wide with a penalty attempt.
