DAVE WOODS has cast personal grudges aside ahead of his Whitehaven team’s match at York City Knights tomorrow, saying it is important the Cumbrians win simply to bolster their play-off ambitions.

Woods was sacked by the Knights at the end of the 2011 season, since when a protracted legal battle has been rumbling on over payments and bonuses, with claims and counter claims.

The court case eventually ended this week, siding overall in Woods’ favour. The Aussie, though, says his focus is on the game as Haven look to build on their win over top-five side Batley.

“I don’t really think of it like that,” he said of the idea of a grudge match. “We’ve got some goals and aspirations and it’s important to fulfil them. We just want to go there and do well.

“If we finish sixth it’s great for us and it gets you a home semi-final. Someone will have to travel to us, which makes it a tougher assignment for them.

“It’s an important match for us. We played really well last week and we need to keep that going.

“When you play teams below you, you need to be winning those games. York have had a couple of narrow losses meaning they are below us, though they probably should be higher.”

James Newton could be recalled at hooker, while Woods may have to find a replacement for Brad Crellin who hurt a knee last week. He will also have in mind a quick turnaround as his side play next Thursday.

“It’s been hot and cold,” said the former Castleford, Gateshead and York boss of his team’s away form.

“We went to Dewsbury and played poorly and went to Halifax the week before last and were great for 62 minutes, trailing 24-18, but then they put 50 points past us. We beat Barrow in Barrow, which was good, but the inconsistency is something we have to rectify.”

 

Whitehaven in focus

Current standing: sixth

Last year: fourth in Championship One

Coach: Dave Woods

AUSSIE Dave Woods made a few signings that raised eyebrows after taking the reins in the off-season, not least the skilful Neil Thorman, another ex-Knight in York-born Lee Paterson, and ex-Super League packman Paul Jackson.

French forward Sebastien Martins and PNG prop Rodney Pora also added power up front but both have since left, Martins to Australia in May, and Pora going back home last month to be with his ill son.

Haven didn’t pull up trees last year in Championship One and ex-Super League half-back Jamie Rooney can frustrate as often as he inspires. Woods, though, helped a little by his links with St Helens, has got his team playing well and in line for a place in the play-offs.

Squad: Swift, Cameron, McAvoy, Parker, Calvert, Rooney, Southernwood, Thorman, Houghton, Doran, Clarke, Paterson, Walker, Jackson, Sice, Barker, Crellin, Newton.

One to watch: Top scorer Jessie Joe Parker gives the team punch and peril in the threequarters.

Partnership club: St Helens.

Ground: The Recre.

Miles from York: 141.

Season prediction: Chances were Wily Woods would shock a few people in Haven’s battle to consolidate Championship status – so much so they are currently ‘best of the rest’ below the top five.