Whitehaven suffered a 62-4 defeat in London – but coach James Coyle insisted there were positives to take from the match.

Coyle said: “Yes it was a very tough afternoon. But I think we showed a lot of character out there.

“A lot of players had to do a great deal more than they normally would but they all put their hands up for the work.

“We went into the game with only 17 fit players and the other two we named in the 19 were never going to be involved. The first injury was probably the key to the game for us. 

"We didn’t have any backs on the bench and when Jordan went off we sent replaced him with Sam Brooks in the back row.

“It is not his normal position and London were able to take advantage and score their next three tries.”

Coyle said Jordan Burns had a head injury and couldn’t return.

“It was a big blow for us,” he admitted.

“Sam Brooks hurt his ankle quite early after coming on, but he tried to continue and simply could not do it.

“As for Ed Chamberlain, he is in hospital at the moment being checked out of a possible dislocated hip.”

Going back to the game and looking forward to the clash against Workington at the Summer Bash next weekend, Coyle said: “I think we started really well and looked good in the first 10 or so minutes.

“But we didn’t refocus after the Burns injury and you can’t do that at this level. Our form is difficult at the moment, but Town lost as well today, so we will be both be looking to bounce back at Blackpool.

“Local bragging rights are so important and we have won the last game, so that is something we can take into the game. 

"The mounting injury list is a real problem, but a couple of players got some good minutes in today and there are a few key players we might have back for next week, such as Craig Calvert and Dion Aiye. 

"Either way, we know it is going to be a tough battle at Blackpool.”