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Action pictures can be purchased from photographer Mike McKenzie |
Bulldogs
6 Haven 29 Whitehaven powerful pack swept the Cumbrians into the quarter-finals of the Powergen Challenge Cup with a comprehensive 29-6 victory over Batley. A tremendous team perfomance with some outstanding individual display. Haven siezed the intitiative from the start and used the advantage of the slope to good effect. An early score by Howard Hill set the Team on their way and with Aaron Lester and Lee Kiddie probing for opening further tries were scored by Paul ONeil, Howard Hill again and Wesley Wilson just before the break to give the Haven a commanding 22-nil half time lead, though mention must be made of Brett McDermott's defensive stint in the first period which was phenomenal. A good lead at the half but would it be enough? The first 10 minutes of the second period were going to be vital as a hungry Bulldogs looked to use the slope and turn the game around. It was Haven who struck first though with a Mick Nanyn try, a great close range effort with three defenders in close attention 26-nil to the lads. However Batley struck back immediately 26-6. For the next ten minutes the home team through every thing at the Haven line but a tremendous display of determination and mental toughness from our lads kept the line intact. The realisation began to grow " Hey We're going to win this one " Batley were now forcing the game and turning the ball over at regular intervals. Haven gladly accepted the ball and came back into the game, in the final 10 minutes we added a further goal from Nanyn and a Leroy field goal to end the game worthy winners 29-6 . A tremendous win on the back of a gutsy team performance , and now Paul
Cullen's Warrington in the 1/4 finals a great end to a great day
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