The Maroons hosted Hullensians on a sunny Showfield knowing the winner would play Hessle away in the semi-finals.
The Hull side missed out on promotion in their league by two points and only lost three games all season so it was always going to be a struggle against a very capable side.
Maroons were up for the task but as they were getting prepared to enter the field of play, the referee asked the home side to change their strip colour as there was a clash of white, affecting the team's preparation.
Maroons won the toss and elected to play uphill but the Hull side pressurised the home defence and finally opened the scoring in the corner. The try was awarded after the referee consulted with the touch judge after the opposition winger had dropped the ball.
Whitby felt hard done by and tried to hit back. The away side managed to stop any onslaught and pressed the Whitby line again, adding two more tries and a conversion.
The Maroons did score a well-struck penalty by Pete Stentiford to end the first half scoring at 17-3.
The second half saw Tassilo and Dave Straker leave the field due to injuries with Owen Roberts and Tristan Pottas replacing them.
Maroons surged down field with the experienced Matt Russell and Richard Harrison leading the way.
The home side were cheered on by a large crowd which helped. Mick Latus and Pete MacIntosh went close and Shane Young had another good game at prop.
The Maroons camped on the visitors' line and got their just rewards as a set penalty move got winger Stentiford to go under the posts for a converted try.
But he was later dismissed from the field.
The Whitby side were then reduced to 13 players as fly half Steve Allen was sent to the sin bin for asking the referee a question.
The score at this point was 17-10 with 15 minutes to go.
The game was settled shortly after with a penalty and two tries by the away side.
Although the better side won on the day, the Maroons showed good heart in a great team display.
Whitby Gazette man of the match: Pete MacIntosh – the veteran has finally hung up his boots and has now retired.
All his team-mates recognised his effort and contribution over the years and a good night was had by all.
Result: Whitby Maroons 10 Hullensians 32