Haven match switched to Monday
Last updated 14:47, Tuesday, 29 April 2008
WHITEHAVEN fear their travelling army of fans will be depleted after their Carnegie Challenge Cup tie at Wigan has been switched to a Monday.
The match was originally planned for Friday week but the hosts opted to move it to avoid criticism of the JJB surface, as Wigan Athletic host Manchester United on the Sunday in a clash that could have a say in the destination of the Premiership title.
Latics chairman Dave Whelan had requested the switch, and Haven will receive undisclosed financial compensation for agreeing to the move to Monday, May 12 (7.30pm).
But a Recre spokesman said today: “We are unhappy for our fans that we have to play away from the designated weekend.
“Some will have difficulty getting down due to work commitments. Those who go down will be getting back late and be going to work next day, or even have to take time off work.
"Hopefully the footballers don’t cut up the pitch too much for us on the Sunday.”
Wigan considered staging the cup match at Orrell RU, but the 3,000 capacity was deemed insufficient. And Haven were prepared to host the match at the Recre.
A crowd of 6,974, including a major Cumbrian contingent, saw Wigan beat Haven 42-4 in the cup in 2005, Leroy Joe scoring the visitors’ try.
Warriors chairman Ian Lenagan said of the switch of dates: “We have been wrongly blamed for the poor state of the JJB pitch and I don’t want Warriors’ name, and rugby league’s name, to attract wrongful criticism.”
- Workington Town’s trip to Barrow, scheduled for Friday night, has been switched to Craven Park on Saturday, 3pm, due to floodlight problems, subject to RFL confirmation.
