Suspensions could hit play-off hopes says Ged

Last updated 21:37, Wednesday, 20 August 2008

Haven’s Graeme Mattinson, pictured on the attack, saw red at Leigh

WHITEHAVEN boss Ged Stokes claimed his team were provoked throughout Sunday’s ill-tempered defeat at Leigh which saw three players sent off.

Haven forwards Graeme Mattinson and Scott Teare were dismissed in the closing seconds following a melee.

Leigh prop Andy Hobson had earlier seen red for a late tackle on Haven scrum-half Gregg McNally which sidelined the youngster for much of the second-half.

And Haven had also lost skipper Gary Broadbent following a foul challenge early in the first-half. The incident was one of three placed on report by ref Rob Hicks during the bruising encounter.

The depleted Cumbrians, without Ryan McDonald, Marc Jackson and Tane Manihera, went on to lose 32-8 and their play-off campaign could suffer major damage if Mattinson and Teare are suspended by RFL disciplinary chiefs.

“I have never seen such a vicious game in my time here,” said Stokes. “It’s one the Rugby League will look very closely at.

“We as a team reacted throughout the game to it extremely well, under provocation, until the last part, when I don’t think it could be tolerated any longer by some of our players.

“Obviously, part of the Leigh game plan was to put pressure on our key players.

“You could see that the way they went at Gregg McNally on several occasions.

“It ended with a prop probably five or six stones heavier than Gregg getting sent off.”

Teare and Mattinson will both be eligible to face Widnes on Sunday. McNally was able to return for the closing moments yesterday without any apparent injury concern and should also be available.

“I thought we prepared very well for this game, but it didn’t happen for us,” Stokes added. “From the kick-off, it didn’t look right.”

Haven have slumped two places to sixth following the penultimate round of league matches. They lead nearest challengers Featherstone and Sheffield by three points and boast a superior points difference.