WHITEHAVEN RL head coach James says Sunday’s home clash with Keighley is a chance to “put a lot of things right” – on and off the field – as the club hosts a special heritage day at the Ortus Rec.
Whitehaven head to the game still smarting from a late collapse at Swinton, where they were “right in the game till 60 minutes” before conceding “far too many points” in the final quarter.
“It’s an opportunity for us to put a lot of things right from Swinton,” James said.
“We’ll be looking to fix stuff defensively and get a better performance, because if the performance is there, then the result looks after itself.”
He admitted the season so far has been “up and down, and a bit of a rollercoaster” since he took over, with his side still chasing the elusive complete 80‑minute display.
“We’re striving to get that consistency throughout 80 minutes in games, which I don’t think, apart from maybe at home, we’ve really nailed,” he said.
“We’re training really well week in, week out – we just need to get that to reflect onto the pitch.”
Sunday’s fixture doubles as a heritage day, with the club inviting former players from across the decades back to the ground.
“It’s an opportunity for all past players who have played for Whitehaven over the years to meet up,” James explained.
“There’ll be a bit of food and some free drinks on, and I believe the oldest player still living, Alf Hadley, is actually opening the heritage day.”
He expects the occasion to be as important in the stands as it is on the pitch.
“There’ll be past players from all ages there, meeting up for the first time in a long time, and it’s a good time for my players and fans to meet people they used to watch years ago,” he said.
“Some of the younger fans won’t have even watched these guys at all.”
With the game falling on a bank holiday Sunday, James is hopeful of a strong turnout and a carnival atmosphere.
“The heritage day should add to it and, with nice weather and it being a bank holiday Sunday, everybody should be up for a few beers and a good Sunday afternoon,” he said.
“I just want to say a massive thanks to the fans over the past eight weeks since I’ve taken over – they’ve been really positive and I’d like that to continue, hopefully with growing attendances over the coming home games.”
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