Coach proud despite Whitehaven defeat against Sheffield

The West Cumbrian side took on Sheffield Eagles at home at the Ortus Rec on Sunday, January 18.

Haven walked away with a 4-11 defeat against the Yorkshire outfit.

Whitehaven RL's head coach, Anthony Murray, shared his thoughts on the game.

He said: "I'm massively proud, I thought the players worked hard right across the 80 minutes.

"I thought in that first half, we were probably guilty of gifting Sheffield field position.

"We made some real good yards and put some kicks into the corner, but then we maybe put one out on the full, and then six again and a couple of penalties which took that momentum off us gifiting it back to Sheffield.

"We were only at a 94 completion rate in that first half, which allowed us to have that energy to defend those penalties.

"But games are about momentum, and we're just guilty of swinging the momentum back into Sheffield's arms a little bit.

"I just thought right across the board we absolutely matched Sheffield in all areas of the game.

"In some areas, we were that little bit better, which is pleasing and gives you a lot of confidence moving into the rest of the season.

"I was pleased with how the players put themselves across, and it was really unfortunate not to get something at the end.

"We put a nice kick across, we built some pressure on Sheffield's own goal line, finishing some repeat sets, and then Jack puts a great kick right across the corner of the field.

"Ethan gets up to challenge for the ball, we compete for the ball, win it, and we score.

"He deems it a different decision the other way, which is a little bit unfortunate.

"I did think all afternoon we were a match for Sheffield in all areas, and it was unfortunate not to get something out of the game with the two points."