Indeed, Whitehaven showed just what a good side they've evolved into with a faultless first half performance that left the Hornets faithful shellshocked. Mark McCuly's early penalty gave Hornets a cursory lead - but once 'Haven hit the straps, they left a whirlwind trail of destruction.

Led by the mecurial half-back Penny, 'Haven blasted into the distance. First Penny jinking through static tacklers to score; then Sice strolling in from acting half after some breathtaking approach work from props Fatialofa and Tandy.

On 12 minutes, Penny's controversial 40/20 then gave 'haven another good platform (it looked to bounce 5 metres short of the flag, but the touchie just kept on running!). Less than a minute later it was Penny himself strolling in for his second . Then it was Nanyn crashing through from 5 metres: 2-22 and Hornets thoroughly blitzed.

The introduction of Tommy Goulden from the bench did temporarily lift Hornets, as his delicate dink behind the defence was pounced upon by Richard Varkulis. But, having had a breather, 'Haven carried on where they'd left off.

On 26 minutes Hornets winger Nicky Royle forced a pass early in the tackle count. From the dropped ball 'haven worked the left channel well, creating a huge overlap for Calvert to score by the flag. Then, right on the hooter, It was Nanyn again on the end of some sharp handling by Joe and Lester. Half time 8-30 - and the bets were on whether 'haven or England cricket would score the most by 4.30.

But Hornets added a little more steel to their game in the second half. On their first meaningful attack, Radney Bowker found the pass we've waited weeks for as he slotted Alstead in at the corner. Dave McConnell took over the kicking duties and sent a scudding kick between the uprights.

Hornets demeanor visibly lifted. First the barnstorming Gareth Price skittled defenders, but his smuggled offload to Andy Gorski went to ground with the line begging; then a Bowker break came to nothing when the supporting Owen fumbled the chance.

It was all the warning 'haven needed. Penny again unleashed an effortless 40/20 and seconds later was sending Fatialofa in by the posts; Then Penny capped a great afternoon's work with his hat-trick try on 73 minutes - the 'haven pack pushing Hornets off the ball at a scrum and the scrum half taking a loping run through a flat-footed defence.

At the death, Hornets mustered one last attack and Dave Cunliffe dived in for a consolation try - but having bossed this one from start to finish, Whitehaven celebrated in style at the hooter as they grabbed the first trophy in their 57 year history.

Full credit to Whitehaven - by far the best side we've seen at Spotland this season; their achievement warmly appreciated by the Hornets supporters happy to see 'one of our own' beat Castleford's SL puppet side to the title.

Elsewhere, results conspired to drop Hornets into the dreaded 6th spot. The 'reward', a trip to Hull KR next week. Nice.

But - just as 'Haven didn't just win the league at Spotland - Hornets didn't 'lose 4th' by losing this game. Everyone in the club will look back and rue the defeats at Barrow and Oldham. But - as Bobbie put it: "We'll go up to Hull KR and give it a go."