Last updated 16:03, Wednesday, 16 July 2008

CHAMPAGNE corks were popping soon after Whitehaven’s main sponsors,Washington, got the news that they had led the winning bid by Nuclear Management Partners to run Sellafield in the future.

Around the same time, Haven’s chairman, Gordon Grace, was feeling a bit flat – stuck on the motorway while making his way into Yorkshire for Friday’s night’s vital clash at Sheffield.

But if anything was designed to cheer up Mr Grace, it was the news that the nuclear partners had landed Sellafield’s mega contract.

Washington Division have proved long and loyal Haven sponsors, particularly in this season’s acute time of need.

As far as sponsorship status quo is concerned – well, Washington are backing the famous band for next month’s Recre concert – that’s fine and dandy but there’s no reason to believe the Americans won’t take an even bigger shine to Whitehaven RLFC in future.

As far as Mr Grace was concerned, Haven players could have been wearing halos as they trudged off the field in some triumph at the Don Valley Stadium – he couldn’t have been more chuffed. Haven broke their away duck in the league. Battered and bruised but perfect

“It was one for all, all for one,” said Gordon. “It couldn’t have been a better day. And from where I was standing, the club hadn’t been in a better position since the day I took over in February.”

When things were looking their worst, I remember Gordon saying to me that he must need his head examined, but as an ex-Naval man, he and Mike Graham in particular have steered Haven’s ship through the storm to relatively calm waters.

News this week that the club have persuaded the local council to help out again on the financial side (see page one) is also cheering, but this time it’s to cover a temporary cash flow problem which was pretty much expected and won’t dent some very strong ambitions next year.

The feelgood factor is definitely there.

“When the team came off at the Don Valley, I felt everything we’d been through had been worthwhile,” said an ebullient Mr Grace. “I also thought that the way we went about beating Sheffield made us a true team. I was proud.

“It’s been a turbulent time – make or break – it’s still tight financially but things look good for the rest of the year and then moving forward, we can start thinking about bringing in any good quality players the coach may feel he needs.”

And for Ged Stokes, what better way than to celebrate his new two-year deal than to pull it off at Sheffield. No champagne rugby but psychologically and, in terms of underpinning play-off hopes, it was probably as important as the home conquest of Salford.

There were those who felt that in acting in haste to appoint Ged, the new Board might repent at leisure – hardly the case.

I recall Gordon Grace telling me at the time that he had no doubt he’d got the right man – leadership, experience and self-belief – Ged had them in spades.

And his stock has since soared. “This is a strong, resourceful character,” said the chairman.

“The only thing we felt Ged needed was a morale boost as his confidence was dented after what had happened in the past. We supported him all the way, and he got his confidence back.

“We know where he’s coming from and where he wants to go. He’s also given confidence and belief to the players.

“All they have to do is listen. He is spot on with his assessments, analysing strengths and weaknesses.”

For my part, Big Ged seems more like new Chelsea boss Big Phil Scolari; a charismatic figure commanding respect and that his players had better listen – or look out!

It’s not a one-man band, though. Credit to the coaching team all round.

Haven journey to Wales for Saturday night’s clash looking for a double over high flyers Celtic Crusaders. Beating another big gun, Halifax, in the next home match is the main target but who knows what will happen at The Brewery Field? Will there be a bonus point at least?

Victory at Sheffield was achieved without Gregg McNally, who was being “rested” before flying out to Australia with England’s Academy squad to take on their Kangaroo counterparts.

It reminds me of the first time I saw another brilliant teenager, Mark Gasnier, playing rugby league at Copeland Stadium for the Australian High School side against Cumbria.

Now he’s off to France in a big money deal to play for the French fancy dans Stade Francais. How the rugger wheel has turned full circle. And good luck to St Bees lad Will Burnett (16) who is joining Leeds Carnegie RU at Headingley. He wants to go right to the top.