Whitehaven chairman: 'We are all delighted at how Sunday's game went'

Todd actually saw the last 20 minutes of the first half, but nothing in the second period as Haven went on to win 32-6.

He explained: “It was such a special day with so much going on off the field, as well as an exciting derby game on it.

“I was helping out in the bar at the start of the game so didn’t see much of the game. Then, at half-time, I thought help would be needed in the marquee and spent the whole of the second half, with other directors, serving customers.

“When there was a cheer, we looked out of the tent flaps and because the Barrow fans were right behind us, we could tell if they were getting animated. As they weren’t, we knew it was Whitehaven who were doing the scoring.”

Whitehaven’s victory ensured they finished second in the final regular season table, thereby earning a second home game with Barrow in the Eights.

Todd said: “I think as everyone realised, including the Barrow fans, Sunday was a virtual cup final as it was so important to get second spot and have home advantage over the other in the Eights.

“We are all delighted at how it went on the day, both on the field and what we had organised around the club. The fact that there were more than 1,500 at the game shows there is a market for the right sort of rugby league in the area.

“We look forward now to good attendances throughout the Eights, with four home games to come and, hopefully, bumper crowds for the play-offs.

“We set out our stall to win our place back in the Championship at the first time of asking and that is still our target. There will be some interesting rugby ahead and probably a few twists and turns yet.

“But it’s great credit to the work done by Carl Forster, his staff and his players that we finished second in the regular season behind a team (Toronto Wolfpack) who have all the financial clout and backing behind them in Canada.

“It’s a good achievement and we want to ensure that we join them in the Championship next season.”