By James Collins

Last updated 10:59, Saturday, 12 July 2008

Whitehaven coach Ged Stokes’ game plan was carried out to perfection in the win at Sheffield Eagles.

Haven's new head coach Ged Stokes. pic MIKE McKENZIE 2nd April 2008

The 32-14 victory was the first away from home this season in the league and lifts Haven above Sheffield in the play-off places.

Stokes said: “It was a controlled performance - it had to be. We knew what we had to do to beat what is a very good side. We had to play exactly the same type of game as they play - only better.

“Our forwards were very good and our backs gave us the relief when we needed it. It was a good old-fashioned, tough type of game.”

Going behind early in the game could even have been a bonus added Stokes who claimed he was always confident of a win.

“We had a few decisions go against us - four penalties went against us and we lacked position but I thought what we were doing during that time was pretty good. We defended pretty well except for the time they got up to our line and scored.

“When we had the ball we started to do things we wanted to try and achieve so I wasn’t too worried when they scored first. Sometimes that’s better for us and makes us more focused.”

Stokes had played mind-games with the Eagles with his team selection that had Saia Makisi at half-back but wearing 13 and Leroy Joe in the seven shirt but playing in the back row.

He said: “We played a few games before we went out on the park and it worked really well.

“We had Saia Makisi at half-back and Leroy Joe was playing at 13. Carl Rudd played a really controlled game - staying out of the game until he needed to kick the ball.

“Everything worked to plan - for a change.”

A key factor was the way the Haven pack matched the Eagles forwards on a narrow pitch.

Stokes said: “Sheffield are a big side and if you let them play they will do what they have done to other teams and rip you apart. But I thought we controlled everything tonight.

“We controlled the plays and shut their options out on the edges. And we controlled the big guys through the middle.

“It was a massive effort from our forward pack- we have a big pack but we don’t go near the size of the Sheffield pack.

“You have to throw a blanket over our forwards and say they all played well. Leroy was good in the way he controlled the ball and Graeme Mattinson was very good and Saia Makisi had probably his best game.”

On the play-offs Stokes added: “Playing Friday night was good for us - we get the weekend off and we can see how the teams near us perform. We wanted to come off the park with a win under our belt and watch the other teams fight it out.

“The play-offs? It’s a bit early - we leapfrog Sheffield and we’ve closed down out deficit on points because I’m sure that will count down the line.”