By Martin Morgan

Last updated at 10:44, Friday, 22 June 2012

WHITEHAVEN are in better shape to tackle Workington Town than earlier this season, believes chief executive Barry Richardson, ahead of Sunday’s Derwent Park derby (3pm).

Impressed: Barry Richardson

The Recre outfit have been beaten home and away by Town in competitive action this term, after losing their pre-season clash, and Richardson reckons Haven must improve on those performances to return with three precious league points.

But since their last defeat against Town they have gained momentum, losing only twice in seven matches, to Super League Salford, in the Challenge Cup, and Championship One pacesetters Barrow.

“Obviously, the target has always been to finish in the top four, and with a new coach and new players, it was always going to take time to gel,” Richardson said.

“But there’s a real camaraderie in the team and we will improve as the season goes on. I’m really confident about that. The team is getting stronger.

“Everyone at the club understands where we need to be next season, and promotion is the sole aim. Obviously, the play-offs come after that, but they are a bonus.

“We have all been really impressed with Workington this year. Three times they have beaten us now and deservedly so on each occasion.

“The lads know we need to improve on how we’ve played against Workington. The derby means a lot to everyone, and we want to go to Workington and beat them, but it’s not just about that this year, it’s about promotion.

“Hopefully we can get something out of it, and we then have another tough game against Oldham, the week after. Potentially, that will be fourth against fifth, and it’s a big game for both clubs. Every game is important from now until the end of the season.

“I think Workington have probably been the best team this year. I know Barrow are up there with them, but Workington have been really good. I’m sure our players will give their best, and that’s all we can hope for.”

Papua New Guinea centre Jessie Joe Parker, the former Featherstone Rovers ace, made his Haven debut in the 30-12 home defeat against Town in April, a day after arriving in the country following a lengthy flight. And he is looking for a stronger performance this weekend.

While recognising Town’s good form this term, he added: “We are going well, too. All the boys are confident and I’m really looking forward to this game.

“When I was at Rovers, they and Cas were enemies, and I see the same between Whitehaven and Workington.”

Cumbria Storm travel to Winlaton RU Club on Saturday to face the North East in their latest round of scholarship fixtures. The Under-15s are first up at 12.30pm followed by the Under-16s two hours later.

Spokesman Dave Farrell said: “The Under-15s are unbeaten and the Under-16s have won two from three.

“Having beaten the North East at Workington in April, we will look to build on it. But we know they will have improved since, and they are on home soil.

“This is our first away fixture and they always demand more of the team and of the players.”

Cumbria this week reached the Rugby League 9s finals at Headingley for a second successive season after pipping St Helens for a top four finish.

The county went in to the last weekly round at Wigan trailing Saints, in fourth, by a point, but beat them in their opening game.

Both went on to lose to Wigan and Warrington, which meant Cumbria will move in to the finals next Tuesday.

“It was a great effort from the lads,” said Richardson. “We can be very proud of those lads who have played for Cumbria over the last four weeks. They have done exceptionally well.”

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First published at 11:12, Thursday, 21 June 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk