Last updated at 19:42, Sunday, 19 February 2012

Whitehaven bounced back from their midweek defeat at Hunslet Hawks to record a 44-18 victory against Gateshead Thunder at the Recre.

Craig Calvert

A Craig Calvert hat-trick was the highlight for Haven, the flying winger scoring three of his side's first four tries, Chris Smith and skipper Scott McAvoy adding touchdowns in the first half. Carl Rudd added three conversions to see his side in 26-6 at the break.

Thunder scored two second-half tries but they were cancelled out by touchdowns from Chris Fleming, Richard Varkulis and Andreas Bauer, Rudd improving all three as Haven eased to their first Northern Rail Cup victory.

Calvert brought up his 150th try for the club with his first of the game and Rudd notched his 1,000 point with his second goal.

See tomorrow's News & Star for full report and pictures.

First published at 19:51, Sunday, 19 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk