Haven Stroll On In Play-Offs

No doubt this was Haven's top display of the season mixing attack and defence effectively and with John Duffy pinging Dale back at every opportunity Rochdale played most of the game on there own try line.

The game was over as a contest within 15 minutes as the Cumbrians ran in five tries in a blistering spell led by Aaron Smith and John Duffy.

Haven got their first try within 60 seconds. Haven's defence held Rochdale in their own 20 and Hasty's rushed clearance was charged down by Aaron Smith and despite Hasty regaining possession Leroy Joe produced an effective tackle that saw Smith pick up and find his way over. Rudd converted.

Only minutes later Smith turned provider and he ran across field Spencer Miller went through. On their next set Craig Calvert went 40 yards after Smith and Rudd combined with Seeds to put Calvert in the clear. At 14-0 the game was over after only six minutes.

Haven didn't lie down, Leafa and Trindall offloaded superbly and Broadbent put Duffy under the sticks. Rochdale were shellshocked. On 15 minutes Duffy's kick was fumbled and David Seeds scored and Haven led 26-0.

Within a minute Haven bombed a try Carl Rudd running 60 yards but holding the ball too long, Steve Maden was clawed down inches short. Haven went right across field and Craig Calvert crossed but Julian King said the final ball went forward.

Aaron Smith left the field and Haven calmed down, Rochdale scoring the only other try of the half when Patterson went 70 yards after Rochdale created an overlap down Haven's right. Half Time: Haven 26-4 Rochdale.

Rob Jackson stole the show in the second half with a hat trick; Leroy Joe's short ball putting him in initially. Rochdale hit back with a neat move after Haven allowed the restart to go into touch.

But a Neat handling move between Smith and Lester saw Jackson cross for his 2nd. Lester's grubbed kick saw Jackson get his hat trick and Haven picked up a 38-10 win which could've been more if Rudd had kicked his goals.

In this form can Haven make the Grand Final? In this form and with Duffy and Smith playing the way they are at the moment I'd say Haven are capable of winning the Grand Final. Without doubt the best performance from Whitehaven all season.

Whitehaven

Broadbent, Calvert (T), Seeds (T), R. Jackson (3T), Maden, Joe, Duffy (T), Trindall, Smith (T), Fatialofa, Miller (T), Leafa, Rudd (3G)

Subs Mattinson, M. Jackson, Lester, Hill

Man of the Match Official award went to David Fatialofa but I'd say Aaron Smith he ran the game when he was on how we managed to sign him I'll never know, Duffy also played well without doubt the form player in this league at the moment.

Referee Julian King

Match Report by Recregoer