MMorgan

Published at 00:00, Thursday, 09 February 2006

By Martin Morgan

CHAIRMAN Des Byrne is targeting the biggest derby crowd for over a decade when Whitehaven entertain Workington Town in Sunday’s massive Northern Rail Cup opener (3pm kick-off).

With Haven harbouring high hopes of another great season and a resurgent Town expecting to produce a strong display, Byrne reckons the attendance could hit 4,000.

He said: “We got more than 1,700 for our friendly against Wigan last Saturday, which was a tremendous turnout, and with Workington having a lot of confidence, we could get 4,000 for this game.”

The biggest derby crowd in recent years was 3,690, when Haven beat Town 28-14 on Boxing Day in 2001, centre David Seeds crossing twice for the hosts.

Town chairman Dave Bowden believes his club will travel with more fans than usual. “I don’t think we’ve had a season that’s been so eagerly-anticipated for some time,” Bowden said.

“On that basis we expect to bring a few more fans, and that can only add to the atmosphere. We are in for a great West Cumbrian derby.”

Haven’s new recruit Steve Trindall is expected to make his debut, after flying in to England last week.

The big Aussie prop has been struck by the fervour around the derby clash.

“The people have been friendly and they really love their rugby league,” Trindall said. “It’s a small town and there’s so much intensity over this game.

“They really want to win it, and it gets you going. Whitehaven have been in the last two Grand Finals and been a whisker away from Super League.

“I’ll be putting my best foot forward and helping some of the young lads. I’ve only seen the one game, against Wigan, and Whitehaven are a really strong team. Wigan only brou-ght their under-21s, but they are a fine young side, and Whi-tehaven won pretty easily.”

The 32-year-old ex-London Bronco has spent his entire career playing top-flight rugby, in England and Australia, but he expects to adapt comfortably to NL1.

He added: “I don’t think there will be that big a differe-nce. A lot of players have come down from Super League. It may be a little slower but the hits will be a little harder.”

At the Broncos Trindall played alongside another of Haven’s close-season signings Rob Jackson, who he expects to make an impact this term.

“He has had a few mishaps with injuries over the past couple of years, but he’s a solid centre who will go well,” Trindall said.

Coach Dave Rotheram, who hopes to select from a fully-fit squad, was involved in a handful of St Helens/Wigan derbies during two years as Saints No.2, before joining Haven, and he believes the intensity around the West Cumbrian version is even stronger.

The coach said: “It doesn’t matter that at St Helens you might have 20 internationals on the pitch and a 20,000 crowd.

“The passion here is probably a bit stronger because it’s a small town environment. If only I had a pound for everyone who has told me to make sure we beat Workington.”

Haven got their season off to a great start last week when around 400 fans turned up for their launch night at the Marchon Club.

The appointment of Alan Davidson as the club’s first full-time development officer, on a three-year contract, was announced on the night.

A new travel scheme has been launched for fans who wish to travel to away games on official coaches.

It is compulsory and costs £5 to join. Applications forms are available at the Recre. A passport photo is required.

Last week’s Pride of Five £100 winners were: Stephen Lagan, Wasdale Close, Mirehouse, ticket number 470; Tracy Grears, High Road, Kells, 1,741; Mr Millard, Scotch Street, Whitehaven, 2,294; Jonathan Scott, Esk Avenue, 437; P Farrell, Birks Road, Cleator Moor, 1,707.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk