Whitehaven finished the season on a massive high after toppling the new League One champions North Wales Crusaders at the Recreation Ground.
The 28-24 victory was a great way to end the campaign in which Anthony Murray built his side largely from former local amateurs.
They were 16-6 behind at half-time but fought back superbly to win it and hold on as the Crusaders scored their fifth and final try in the last minute.
Although Haven only scored four tries themselves it was the kicking of Dan Abram which made the difference.
He landed all four conversions and kicked two penalties for a crucial 12-point haul.
Crusaders coach Carl Forster knows all about Abram’s prowess as a goal-kicker, having been Haven player coach when he won some dramatic games with last minute pressure conversions.
After Sam Wilde had put North Wales ahead with an unconverted try, Jack Kellett levelled in the 19th minute and Abram’s kick nosed Haven ahead.
Paddy Ah Van and Kieran Taylor scored further tries for the Crusaders before half-time both converted by Jordy Gibson.
Two minutes into the second-half Ellison Holgate went over and Abram’s conversion cut the deficit to 16-12.
On 56 minutes Ah Van’s second try stretched the Crusaders lead before Haven hit back with two tries by Jay Weatherill, converted by Abram, who also put over penalties in the 64th and 78th minutes.
Although Matt Reid got in for a last minute North Wales try it wasn’t going to spoil Whitehaven’s day.
