With injury-strapped Hornets forced into naming Darren Shaw in the 17, the Hornets faithful had travelled more in hope than expectation. But after 21 minutes it took a Nanyn penalty to break the deadlock and give 'haven the lead. It lasted all of two minutes - Mark McCully levelling the scores after an act of gross stupidity from Paul Davidson.

This shook Whitehaven from their torpor and they scored two quick-fire tries. First a delicate chip from Penny caused havoc in the Hornets defence and, with arms and legs flailing everywhere, Leroy Joe dived through to score. Then Joe turned provider - his grubber bobbling through the line for Calvert to race in. Two more Nanyn penalties stretched the half time lead to 16-2. Haven started the second half as they ended the first: early pressure turned into points as Broadbent bulldozed his 12-stone frame through four tacklers. Nanyn converted and, at 22-2, Hornets fans began contemplating getting home in time for 'Top Gear'.

But Hornets - and most notably Phil Cantillon - had other ideas. A penalty 20 metres from the 'haven posts gave Hornets good field position and, while the home defence discussed the matter with referee Morris, Cantillon tapped the penalty to himself and launched himself under the posts. The Whitehaven fans went bonkers. McCully added the extras. The try visibly lifted Hornets and they began driving 'haven back up the slope. A Nanyn penalty provided some respite, but with possession gained from a short kick-off, Hornets worked the ball upfield for Cantillon to grab his second. McCully added the two.

On the next visit to Whitehaven territory, Hornets moved the ball to Braddish: his kick through was missed by a series of desperate 'haven dives and Dave Alstead followed up to score. McCully's conversion faded left - but at 22-18 with eleven minutes remaining, the game was most definitely on. Hornets pushed and probed for the try that might break the game and came incredibly close when a trademark Cantillon effort was struck off after consultation with the touch-judge for a forward pass.

Haven took the ball back downfield and Lester took advantage of a tiring defence to score and seal the game. Hornets did muster one last attack for Alstead to score at the death after good hands across the park, but it wasn't enough.

Ultimately, a patched-up Hornets showed incredible grit to take the game within stealing distance. Haven have been swatting teams left, right and centre at home and this battling performance provides a reasonable benchmark for how good you need to be to top NL1.

With another trip to Whitehaven in a month's time - perhaps the Hornets fans can travel expecting just a little more.