Whitehaven 22 Saints 34

BOOKIES' favourites Saints stand just two games from a Cup Final date at Twickenham after this thrilling fifth round tie at the Recreation Ground -- but only after true Cumbrian grit had given them a real fright!

Pace, power and penetration told its inevitable tale despite a narrow pitch scarcely lending itself to expansive play, but it was only a bizarre try by Tommy Martyn in the 65th minute that proved the turning point against a battling Whitehaven side refusing to buckle.

However, Saints lacked no fewer than seven of the squad that lifted the World Championship in the injured Paul Sculthorpe and Keiron Cunningham, plus the rested David Fairleigh, Peter Shiels, Sean Long, Kevin Iro and Sean Hoppe. One can only assume that coach Ian Millward had tomorrow night's blockbuster at Bradford in mind, but omissions on such a scale gave rise to criticism among the sizeable following who made the 250-mile round trip, and were under the impression that just Sculthorpe and Cunningham would be missing.

This mightwell have backfired on a Saints team who were giving a 40-point handicap start on the coupon. And although a giant-killing act did not materialise, it should not detract from a magnificent performance by a home squad currently in the lower reaches of the Northern Premier League and fielding 13 amateur products.

However, it should be remembered that Saints were reduced to 12 men after the dismissal of Vila Matautia in the 47th minute following an alleged high tackle on Howard Hill. Ironically the Western Samoan was enjoying one of his best games in a Saints jersey.

This was the only 'incident' in an otherwise sportingly-contested game, although brandishing of the red card by referee Karl Kirkpatrick was no doubt influenced by last week's directive by the Rugby League to clamp down on illegal tackles.

Given the disruption caused by the loss of Matautia and the clutch of absentees, Saints nonetheless emerged with a coveted place in the last eight of what for many is still the game's most prestigious competition -- and scored seven spanking tries en-route!

On an individual note, 10-point Tommy Martyn earned the man-of-the-match award, hard-working Mick Higham was rewarded with a try on his debut, while the workhorse Sonny Nickle shored up the middle on the departure of Matautia as the Cumbrians threatened to take charge up front.

Hints of wintry elements proved unfounded with sunny, firm conditions prevailing, and a Saints side delayed by coach breakdown and incongruous in black strip, were rocked back on their heels when home skipper Aaron Lester nipped over in the sixth minute.

Steve Kirkbride converted as Whitehaven maintained their opening onslaught, only for Saints to get on terms when Martyn and Matautia carved out a gap for Higham, who scampered 25 yards to touch down at the railway end, Martyn tacked on the goal.

Kirkbride landed a penalty when Tony Stewart and Dwayne West held down David Seeds, before Anthony Sullivan saved Saints' bacon with a try-saving tackle on Hill. And 23 minutes had ticked by before captain Chris Joynt inched Saints in front with a short-range try.

Higham and Martyn then sent Paul Wellens over to increase the visitors' lead to 14-8, only for the trusty boot of Kirkbride to reduce the arrears with a second penalty after Matautia and Higham wandered offside.

Paul Newlove's solo effort and a touchline conversion by Martyn meant Saints led 20-10 at half-time, and the 'Haven line enjoyed a charmed life on the restart as first Matautia and then Wellens were stopped inches short.

But the resolute Cumbrians ensured the floodgates remained shut and the issue was very much in the melting pot when Matautia departed, with Kirkbride kicking the ensuing penalty. And alarm bells were ringing when Leroy Joe sent Mark Cox over for Kirkbride to convert.

Now leading just 20-18 with 55 minutes gone, Saints' pulse rate dropped a little when Wellens and Stewart put Steve Hall over in the corner, and then quick-thinking Martyn swooped on a loose ball after Stewart had been dispossessed to race between posts, with the majority of the crowd -- and the players -- not sure what was going on.

Higham's incisive break saw fellow debutant Wayne McDonald cross the Whitehaven line to round off Saints' scoring, but a home side accorded a standing ovation had the final say when Lester and Chris Campbell put the speedy Seeds over in the corner.