LYNX were given a lesson and a sharp reminder about how tough life in Division 1 is going to be in this gruelling 24-6 defeat.

It was heavy going under foot and Lynx made heavy weather of this 4th round Silk Cut Challenge Cup encounter.

The Warriors took control of the game early on with a try from second row Gary Charlton on 10 minutes. After a slick move through the centre he powered his way over the try line left of the Lynx posts.

More pressure from Whitehaven produced a penalty five minutes later which took the score to 6-0.

The home side, using their superior experience, were defending well and used it as a springboard to attack the Lynx defence. It almost came off for them on 19 minutes when a super attack down the left failed after winger Craig Walsh knocked on when he was clear through to the try line.

Seconds later Lynx counter attacked only to lose the ball in touch a metre from the Warriors try line.

Lynx gained a penalty on 27 minutes, which was converted by stand off Phil Jones.

The Warriors came straight back with a penalty minutes later to maintain their six point advantage.

Interference at the play of the ball from the Warriors produced yet another penalty which Jones converted to make the score 8-4 in Whitehaven's favour at half-time.

Whitehaven made just the start they wanted when second row Craig Chambers took a superb ball that split the Lynx defence and raced past a despairing tackle from Doc Murray to score on the right wing.

Centre David Seeds hit the left upright with his conversion to limit the damage for Lynx.

The visitors gained some consolation five minutes later when Jones converted another penalty after a high tackle.

Last ditch tackling from Lynx couldn't stop a left wing try from Seeds who also converted to put the game beyond Lynx after 60 minutes with the score standing at 18-6.

Desperation took over and Lynx gave away a penalty for using the elbow in the tackle. The Lancashire side were finally beaten after a period of sustained pressure when Graeme Lewthwaite scored a hotly disputed try in the right corner after seeming to hit the flag before going over. The referee consulted the linesman and awarded the try, which was converted by Seeds.

The next game is against York Wasps away. Kick off is 3pm.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.