A video nasty helped put Whitehaven in the right frame of mind for their second League One 8s game against Newcastle Thunder.

The players had watched a re-run of last week’s home defeat by Barrow to set them up for a successful recovery mission against Newcastle Thunder.

“It was something we didn’t want to watch but we saw how bad we were against Barrow. And I sensed the players were in the right mood to put things right," said coach Carl Forster.

“I thought we were excellent against Newcastle and all the players showed the right sort of attitude this time to get the win we wanted.

“The only disappointment was that we conceded a try in the last minute of the game. We had worked really hard in defence to keep them out so it was a massive let down for them to score when it was almost over."

Whitehaven won 27-6 with Dion Aiye producing a starring role with a hat-trick of tries and a hand in the other two for Elliott Miller and Jessie Joe Parker.

“He’s virtually unplayable when he’s on song like that and he was a big part of our victory,” said Forster.

Whitehaven stay in third place on point differential from Barrow but the Craven Park side had to work hard for their 14-10 victory over Doncaster yesterday.

“We go to Doncaster on Sunday and we know it will be tough. They are a good team and we will have to be at our best," said Forster.

“There are no easy games in the Eights and some of the results already have shown that. York beat Toronto and then lost at Keighley."

Haven have to play both York and Keighley at the Recreation Ground while also having to travel to Toronto.

Forster reported only one serious injury concern after the Newcastle game. Winger Jordan Burns left the ground with the aid of a crutch after falling awkwardly. He was replaced at half-time by Connor Holliday.

“Obviously we will be keeping an eye on Jordan but I’m hoping it’s not too serious,” said the coach.