Whitehaven RL put on a decent performance against Halifax Panthers at the LEL Arena on Sunday but ended up losing them game 24-12. 

Head coach Jonty Gorley was still pleased with the team's performace and is optimistic about future matches. 

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"I'm encouraged by how we were, considering how we've been playing up until recently," he said.

"I've always known that we can perform better and to me this has drawn a line of how we should be playing and where we need to be going forward. 

"It just proves that we compete against the best sides. There were a few little things in the second half but they can still affect the whole game at Championship level and that's what happened. 

"We didn't complete one of our sets and didn't end up seeing the ball for another five sets. Even then we did have chances but we need to be more clinical, that's what it's like at Championship level you've got to take those chances. 

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"It's just little things but they can have a big impact on the game, however I am feeling positive after the match against Halifax and I think we've taken a lot out of the game. 

"Going forward we need to start playing more consistently and use this as a way to progress. 

"I'd say that during the first half the team played the best that they have done all season. For the first part of the game we were in total control which is impressive when playing against a team like Halifax. 

"That's where we need to be every week and we do have it in us, I'd say that it's the first time after a defeat that I haven't been too concerned with our performance."