Despite being top of the league almost halfway through the season, Whitehaven coach Gary Charlton insists his side is not YET the finished article.

After needing some harsh words at half time on the way to a 32-6 win over London Skolars, Haven sit proudly on top of League One.

But Charlton insists there is still better to come from his troops, saying: “We are still a work in progress and certainly not the finished article.

“Our first-half performance against Skolars was not what we are about. Other teams could have taken advantage and we possibly couldn’t have come back.

“But thankfully we did. A few home truths were offered at half time and it showed the character we have in the side when we came back and played like that.

“It was very good, scoring 26 unanswered points was outstanding and more like we expect from this group of players.

“We’ve said from day one that we believe in this group and just want them to keep improving week to week.

“We haven’t got a game this weekend and I’m sure everyone would want to be playing.

“But it is what it is and we just have to look after ourselves and be ready for the next game a week later.”

The home game with Coventry on June 9 will complete the first half of the season and Haven go into it as clear leaders.

They are two points ahead of London Skolars and also have a game in hand, while they lead third- placed Oldham by three points.

They have a seven-point lead over Doncaster who currently occupy the final play-off place.

But Charlton and his assistants Jonty Gorley and Scott McAvoy are well aware that some tough away games have to be faced in the second half of the season.

They have to travel to four of the five teams who follow them in the table, and have home games against four of the bottom five.

Of the leading group only Oldham have to visit the Recreation Ground, while the only one of the bottom five still to host Haven are Keighley Cougars.