Haven’s hopes Sky high for Sheffield clash

By Alan Irving

Last updated 13:40, Thursday, 07 August 2008

Expectations are running high ahead of Whitehaven’s National League One televised battle with the Sheffield Eagles at The Recre tonight.

Haven's new head coach Ged Stokes. pic MIKE McKENZIE 2nd April 2008

Haven fans expect their team to turn on the TV style as they did to topple Super League-bound Salford before the Sky cameras in May.

And team boss Ged Stokes, below, expects his charges to be in the right state of mind to make last weekend’s flop against bottom club Dewsbury a bad memory.

Sky TV will also expect to see Haven provide the viewing entertainment they did in the thrill a minute Salford extravaganza when young Gregg McNally stole the show.

And in their last Sky appearance Gary Broadbent & Co came on top in a Welsh thriller, pulling off an amazing away victory over Celtic Crusaders who have since achieved Super League status for the next three years.

This time McNally’s scrum-half replacement - comeback Kiwi maestro Leroy Joe - was the screen star.

The week before Whitehaven secured their first away win - at Sheffield.

All the expectations are that enigmatic Haven will rise to the occasion once again and accelerate an exciting play off quest.

Stokes has little doubt that his side will bounce right back and leapfrog Leigh to regain fourth spot in the table.

Another Haven win would also go a long way to extinguishing the challenge of Sheffield who hold sixth place.

Stokes lambasted his players for lack of enthusiasm that saw them surrender an impressive four-match unbeaten record at Dewsbury.

He expects to see no lack of mental toughness and desire to win tonight (kick-off 7.30).

So much so that the Kiwi head coach expects to field practically the same side embarrassed by Dewsbury Rams.