Challenge Cup First Round draw confirmed

The draw for the first round of the 2020 Coral Challenge Cup was made on Thursday evening, throwing up several interesting ties.

Two of the three armed forces sides were given home clashes, with the British Army welcoming Oulton Raiders and the RAF welcoming Doncaster-based Bentley, which is where the draw took place.

The Royal Navy, meanwhile, will travel to Widnes to face West Bank Bears.

Thatto Heath, the amateur side who progressed the furthest in last years competition, reaching the fifth round and beating professional side North Wales Crusaders, face a trip across the Pennines to Thornhill Trojans.

The second round is also guaranteed to include at least one team from an expansion area, with Nottinghamshire-based Sherwood Wolf Hunt facing London’s Wests Warriors.

John Hill, Coral’s PR manager, said: “We are looking forward to another exciting Coral Challenge Cup campaign where all roads now lead to Wembley for the final in July.

“The early rounds of the tournament are a great chance for many amateur clubs to take centre stage and keep their dream alive of pitting themselves against a professional club later in the competition so we’d like to wish all teams competing in the opening round the best of luck.”

2020 Coral Challenge Cup First Round draw:

Rochdale Mayfield v London Chargers

GB Police v Torfaen Tigers

Edinburgh Eagles v Ashton Bears

Leigh Miners Rangers v Stanningley

Underbank Rangers v Lock Lane

West Bank Bears v Royal Navy

Featherstone Lions v West Bowling

British Army v Oulton Raiders

Normanton Knights v Longhorns

Barrow Island v Rhondda Outlaws

Pilkingtons Recs v West Hull

Thornhill Trojans v Thatto Heath Crusaders

York Acorn v Hammersmith Hills Hoists

Siddal v Saddleworth Rangers

Sherwood Wolf Hunt v Wests Warriors

Wigan St Patricks v Dewsbury Moor

Distington v Bedford Tigers

Milford v Wigan St Judes

Upton v Jarrow Vikings

Skirlaugh v Hunslet Club Parkside

RAF v Bentley

Ince Rose Bridge v East Hull.

Photo Credit: Mark Cosgrove/News Images.