By Helen Thompson

Last updated 16:06, Wednesday, 27 August 2008

WHITEHAVEN’S Reserve Grade bowed out of the play-offs, after losing 30-10 to Widnes at the weekend.

Haven paid the price for the club’s injury crisis with a lack of experience in the ranks and despite putting up a good show, they were beaten.

Adam Ramsden and Mark Shackley both crossed for tries for Whitehaven, with Marc Bainbridge tagging on a goal.

With 25 minutes to go, Whitehaven were just 12-10 adrift but injuries picked up early in the second half took their toll and Widnes capitalised to run in three tries to win the game.

“On Saturday our lack of player reserves caught up with us. We couldn’t fault the lads who played, they all gave 100 per cent but at the end of the day we lacked some experience,” said director Dave Farrell.

“It was a disappointing end to what has been, on the whole, a positive season.

“We got in the play-offs again and if we could have won a couple more during the year then we could have got into the top two, the league was that tight.

“All credit to the players they had a good season, it would have been nice to have gone a bit further but it was not to be.”

But Farrell was keen to point out that the reserves have proved invaluable to the first team this season, with some good players coming through.

“We have to remember it is not just about the results, it is about producing players for the club for the future and this year we have exceeded expectations with the likes of Gregg McNally, David Ford, John Patrick and Chris Smith,” said Farrell.

“I think we can be well pleased with our contribution.”

WHITEHAVEN fans could be set to support Scotland in the up and coming RL World Cup – after Spencer Miller was named in a 37-man preliminary squad.

And there is further Cumbrian interest in the form of Workington duo Matt Tunst-all and Iain Marsh, plus form-er Recre stars Oliver Wilkes, Mick Nanyn and Jon Duffy.

There will be a lot of competition to make the final 24 and the players will need to impress head coach Steve McCormack and his number two, current Town coach Dave Rotheram.

Some top names have been included in the Scottish side, with Wakefield’s Danny Brough being named captain earlier in the year and Wigan winger Mark Calderwood also selected.

Three NRL players are also in the mix, New Zealand Warriors hooker Ian Henderson, Manly winger Michael Robertson and Wests’ prop Keith Galloway.

The Scottish campaign will begin with a match against the French in Canberra.