Whitehaven coach James Coyle wasn’t pulling any punches when he analysed his side’s Championship defeat to Dewsbury.

The west Cumbrians lost 36-16 in a virtual four-pointer at the Recreation Ground and remain deep in relegation trouble.

“That wasn’t good enough and I have to question the attitude of certain players as it fell well short of what we demand and expect.

“We had shown the right sort of energy and enthusiasm against Featherstone a week earlier and despite the defeat that was a good effort.

“During the week ahead of the Dewsbury game we had spoken about the need for intensity but we just didn’t get it, apart from a little spell at the start of the second half.

“We had spoken at length on what Dewsbury were good at, but watching the game you wouldn’t have thought the players knew what to expect.

"It was very disappointing because instead of moving forward we have gone backwards with this performance and result,” said Coyle.

Whitehaven haven’t been helped by the number of players they’ve had for training sessions, as injuries and work commitments have taken their toll.

“When you can only work with eight or nine players during the week it is a problem, even though we have tried to put on quality sessions,” said Coyle.

The injuries continue to mount. Winger Jordan Burns was on the bench, but never going to come on, while Dion Aiye sat out the closing stages with an ice pack on a damaged ankle.

There were other knocks during the game which will need to be monitored during the week as Whitehaven prepare for a tough and long trip south to play London Broncos.

Whitehaven have now fitted-in their catch-up games and are still second bottom, now just four points better off than neighbours Workington Town who were 37-30 winners at Sheffield.