Halifax Panthers come away victorious in dramatic eliminator against Whitehaven

Halifax and Whitehaven played out a Betfred Championship play-off classic as the Panthers booked a semi-final date with Featherstone Rovers after a 24-20 win at The Shay.

Cumbrian side Whitehaven headed into the post-season in red hot form, losing just two of their last 10 games, one of those defeats was a 14-4 defeat at the hands of the Panthers.

Halifax, coached by Simon Grix in his first full season in charge, headed into the matchup in poor form having lost their previous three games.

Utility playmaker Scott Grix was given a guard of honour before kick-off after the 37-year-old announced his retirement.

He started his send-off in the perfect way kicking a 40/20 on the far side which lead to a try on the fourth set of the game.

Scrum-half Liam Harris drew out the Haven defence on the near touchline with a looping pass over to winger Conor Mcgrath.

The Panthers extended their lead when prop Adam Tangata made a break down the middle providing a short pass to Matt Garside who touched down near the posts with Woodburn Hall adding the extra two points.

Pressure from both sides was at a high level as Halifax controlled the opening 20 minutes in and out the possession with the visitors not really showing much of an action plan.

However, Gary Charlton’s side managed to get themselves on the scoresheet against the run of play. Liam Cooper powered through a Halifax defence that has been strong all season long to get the visitors up and running.

Panthers’ Greg Worthington made a brilliant break down the far side with Woodburn-Hall on his shoulder for support. The full-back ran 40 metres upfield to touch down and make it 14-6 in his side’s favour.

Simon Grix’s side picked up momentum with Matt Garside going over for his second of the evening near the end of the first half after a smart linkup between Grix and Harris.

The 22-6 scoreline in Halifax’s favour did not reflect the first period at all with Haven still in with a chance to pull off a comeback.

As the floodlights shone down on The Shay, the atmosphere remained high with the visiting Haven fans chanting throughout half-time.

It took just five minutes for them to have something to shout about with a loose ball on the near side being planted down by winger Andrew Bulman after fantastic play from standoff Louis Jouffret.

Whitehaven brought passion and determination into the second half, something that they showed against the Bradford Bulls last weekend and something head coach Gary Charlton has instilled at the club this season.

Momentum was well and truly with the visitors as the ball was worked out to the far side with second-rower Ryan King getting the ball over the line.

Winger Bullman scored a late try with a minute to go, but it was too late for Gary Charlton’s side though as the hooter sounded with the Halifax Panthers coming away 24-20 victors and booking a trip to Featherstone Rovers.

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