A CROWD of 4,869 - the biggest at Whitehaven's LEL Arena for decades - provided the backdrop for one of the feelgood stories of this year's Challenge Cup campaign.
Although Saints won comfortably in the end, they were given a thorough test - particularly early on - before running away with it.
It was a particulary poignant occasion for Saints prop Kyle Amor, who scored a try against his hometown club and was cheered as "One of our own" by the Haven locals.
Coach Kristian Woolf said: “Kyle came on and did a great job.
"It was a game that meant a lot to him – he got to come home and play in front of people he grew up with and his friends and family.
"He went out and did a really good job and am happy for him."
Both sides were cheered off on the lap of honour at the end, with Saints making a lot of positive connections in this west Cumbrian rugby league hotbed.
"The day was great. There was a really good feel about it and a great welcome from the fans here and from the club at Whitehaven.
"We came down and met some people here on Friday night – just really good rugby league people.
"I said before the game it reminds me of the country rounds in the NRLwith a different feel, a different sort of excitement and a real welcoming feel.
It was great to be a part of of."
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