Published at 16:09, Wednesday, 30 June 2010

HAVEN produced a battling performance in defeat and were still well in contention approaching the hour-mark with the scores locked at 12-each.

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But the stifling 30-degree heat was ultimately their undoing as they struggled in the last quarter of the match and the French outfit posted their second win in five days following a hard-fought midweek win at Batley.

After a minute’s silence in memory of Garry Purdham, Haven were quickly in to their stride, Carl Rudd’s dummy causing confusion in the French defence and winger Craig Calvert crossing, Rudd’s conversion handing Haven a 6-0 lead.

The Cumbrian defence held firm until the 35th minute when full-back Rory Bromley touched down Nathan Wynn’s grubber.

Rudd added a penalty to make it 8-4 and Haven could have extended their lead had not Bromley pulled off an outstanding tackle on Rob Jackson, pushing the centre in to touch as he headed for the line.

Toulouse hit the front for the first time on 47 minutes, scrum-half Wynn converting his own try.

But the visitors stuck to their task, Danny Barker crossing on 56 minutes to draw his team level after another break from Jackson.

Three tries in seven minutes ended Haven hopes however as the conditions took their toll.

Bromley went 70 metres for his second try, after Nathan Wynn launched a short-side move.

Hooker Martin Mitchell then went over from close range and loose-forward Eric Anselme was first to Wynn’s bomb as Toulouse posted their fifth try.

The hosts ended Haven’s chances of securing a bonus point three minutes from time, sub Teli Pelo crossing.

Toulouse coach Gilles Dumas acknowledged that Haven had posed plenty of questions of his side.

“It was difficult for us because Whitehaven stuck to their task and caused us some problems,” he said.

“We were in danger for over 50 minutes, lacking organisation but making breaks and then throwing the ball away when all that was needed was patience.

“Later on, we controlled the game better when Whitehaven started to make mistakes and we were able to put our game in place.”

Haven face a quick turnaround as they host Widnes tonight (Thursday), live on Sky Sports and follow up with a tricky trip to Halifax.

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