Whitehaven are still having to look over their shoulders in the battle to avoid the drop from the Betftred Championship.
They lost 25-12 at Batley to remain in a group of clubs battling against relegation to League One for 2024.
It sets up another crucial game at Swinton Lions next week before they finish the regular season at home to Toulouse Olympique.
Barrow’s 32-14 home win over Swinton virtually keeps them up and it would seem to be between Whitehaven, Keighley and Swinton as to who joins Newcastle Thunder in going down to League One.
At Mount Pleasant Whitehaven were very much in the contest in the first-half but trailed 12-0 at the break, with the second try coming right on half-time.
Jimmy Meadows scored both of the Batley tries and Dale Morton added the extras but Whitehaven had competed well and were causing problems.
However Haven’s completion rate and intensity fell away in the third quarter of the game and Batley increased their lead with two tries from Morton, which he improved on both occasions.
Time was running out for Jonty Gorley’s men when Dave Eccleston reduced the arrears with a try which Josh Rourke converted.
After Josh Woods landed a drop goal for the Bulldogs, Haven did have the last word when Dion Aiye charged over for the second try and Rourke converted.
