Whitehaven Rugby League club managed to put aside their off-field issues with a huge win against relegation rivals Dewsbury Rams on Saturday.

New head coach Kyle Amor suggested earlier last week that his playing staff would be going on strike due to a disagreement with the board, following a chaotic period which saw both Jonty Gorley and Des Byrne depart the club.

However, on the evening of Thursday, August 22, Amor confirmed that a squad of 15 players would travel to take on Dewsbury on Sunday afternoon. 

And the squad produced a heroic performance, winning 18-10 at the Flair Stadium - a result which relegates the home side and moves Whitehaven out of the relegation spots, above Swinton Lions. 

Speaking after the result, Amor said: "What a game. I'm immensely proud of the group. I thought that first half was pretty perfect. We knew what we were going to face here today. A committed, desperate Dewsbury Rams side that had a lot of reasons not to lose today. But I'm going to focus on my players. To do what they have done, with 14, in this competition, regardless of who you are playing, is pretty tough. I asked for tough men in a tough situation. We got it once again.

"There can be no question marks over the commitment of this group. The challenge is we've got to go again next week. But for now we've got to enjoy this win. We had backs to the wall mentality. Dewsbury threw everything at us at the end there. The togetherness and the commitment from each other was top notch. So I'm absolutely delighted. We take the two points and we continue to get around each other and love each other until the next game. 

Amor's side will now welcome York Knights to the Ortus Rec this weekend, but there are many off-field issues which need to be solved if Haven are to secure the long-term future of the club.

Amor added: "A special mention for our fans who were brilliant all game. We need everybody in the town now to show the commitment that our players have done and get behind this team. Forget what's gone on in the past and what's happening in the future and just get down to the Rec. You will see a group that is so proud to wear that shirt. They're doing it all for the town."