Wigan clash may be switched to Recre

By Martin Morgan

Last updated 12:06, Friday, 25 April 2008

WHITEHAVEN’S Carnegie Challenge Cup clash with mighty Wigan at the JJB could be dramatically switched to the Recreation Ground.

The Recreation Ground, Whitehaven

The Warriors scheduled their fifth round home tie for Friday, May 9, but Wigan Athletic host Manchester United in the Premiership two days later.

And it is understood there is now an availability problem with the JJB over that weekend.

Haven would be delighted to host the clash, which would spark huge interest in West Cumbria.

“Wigan are encountering problems with the Friday night and are looking for an alternative venue,” confirmed a Haven spokesman today. “Or as a last resort, they may even come up to Cumbria.

“We would have to look carefully at any alternative, to make sure it was in the best interests of Whitehaven. We would welcome the game up here.”

With gate receipts shared from cup games, Haven would probably not make as much cash through the turnstiles if the match is switched to the Recre, above.

But sponsorship would bring in additional cash and they would also secure significant revenue through bar receipts.

It is believed Haven do not wish to play the fixture at a compact venue in the Wigan area, where the attendance would be smaller.

Meanwhile, coach Ged Stokes is demanding an improvement after Haven went down 36-10 against NL1 title favourites Salford City Reds at The Willows last night. Stokes was unhappy that Haven failed to stick to his game plan.

“I was disappointed with the scoreline, there’s no doubt about that, and slightly disappointed with our ability to put the game plan in to place,” the coach said.

“Salford kept it pretty basic and fundamental, which is what we tried to do. I live and die by the game plan, and if we don’t put it in to place, I will have something to say about it.

“We’ve been over that, it’s done with and we move on to our next game.”

Haven were undone by teenage half-back Richard Myler, a Super League target, who notched three tries and dominated the game.

“Whitehaven are fantastic on the front foot, there’s no doubt about that, it was getting on the front foot that we had problems with today,” Stokes added.

“A few of their tries were heartbreaking actually. They were the product of pressure, but also of players not getting numbers in to tackles.”

Ex-Halifax back-rower Andy Gorski made a bright debut for Haven and centre Sai Makisi was outstanding.

Director Barry Richardson said: “There was a very encouraging commitment shown by the players and their heads never dropped.

“They competed well against a good side. But Salford have a scrum-half in Myler who has a big future.”