Whitehaven finally got off the mark this term with victory at the home of South Wales Ironmen in the League 1 opener.

After a disappointing pre-season, Haven weathered a second half storm from their hosts to claim a 27-10 win.

Haven led 12-0 at the break with tries from Steve Roper and Paul Crook, both converted by the latter.

And they opened the second half well with a try for Glenn Riley, which Crook improved.

Then Jordan Burns got onto the end of a break from Elliott Miller to get their fourth, which Crook added the extras to for 24-0.

But back came their hosts with two tries, one converted and then Haven were down to 11 men as first Miller and then Lewis Brown sent to the sin bin.

Haven's defence stayed intact and they added a penalty and a drop-goal from the boot of Crook to secure the points.

This will give Whitehaven the boost they need ahead of the visit of the Toronto Wolfpack next weekend.