Whitehaven have a week off to reflect on their first defeat of the season at Oldham Roughyeds.

With only 11 teams contesting League One, Haven find themselves the odd ones out next Sunday and can take stock.

The general consensus of opinion was that Oldham deserved their 36-12 win, but some contentious decisions prevented the Cumbrians getting closer to their hosts.

Coach Gary Charlton felt that Haven should have been allowed a try 20 minutes from the end which would have pulled them to within four points.

“I think there was only one person in the ground who didn’t think it was a try but that was the man who counted – the referee. Overall, Oldham were good for the win but I would like to thank our fans who turned out in good numbers and gave some excellent support which the players appreciated,” said Charlton.

Strong-tackling centre Chris Taylor said: “It was a tough game and Oldham deserved the win. But we will learn from it and come back stronger.”

Winger Dave Thompson had similar thoughts, but he is particularly looking forward to the next game on March 10 when Wigan St. Patrick’s visit the Recreation Ground in the Coral Challenge Cup.

“It was a very frustrating day for us at Oldham but we will dust ourselves off and be ready to go against my old amateur club in the cup.”