Whitehaven duly won their final away game of the season, beating Newcastle Thunder 28-10.
But it was the narrowest defeat the North East whipping boys have suffered in a season where they have failed to pick up a single point.
It bore out what coach Anthony Murray had told his Haven players before the game.
“They will see our record of only one win in eight and fancy their chances of a first victory. I am expecting a tough game when we will have to work hard to ensure we take home the three points,” he said.
Thunder did compete strongly throughout the game and Whitehaven did well to see it through.
Hard-working prop Jordan Thomson scored two tries in the 12th and 28th minutes, both converted by Dan Abram.
Alex Donaghy pulled back a try for Thunder on 33 minutes which he converted, but Max Anderson-Moore scored an unconverted try just before the break to give the Cumbrians a 16-6 lead at half-time.
Five minutes into the second half Daniel Spencer-Tonks went over for Haven’s fourth try which Abram improved.
Hooker Will Lintin scored a second try for Newcastle but Haven had the final word five minutes from time when Jake Pearce drove over and Abram added the extras.
Haven finish a week on Saturday when they play leaders North Wales Crusaders at home.
