Challenge Cup Round Four Preview with two fixtures free-to-air

Round four of the Challenge Cup gets underway this weekend and there are some bumper matchups on show as well as the potential for some major upsets.

Eight fixtures are spread across Saturday and Sunday with two match-ups available to watch via streaming services.

Of the 16 teams featuring this weekend 10 Championship sides play, four League One sides whilst the potential for an upset comes with the remaining amateur teams Hunslet ARLFC and Rochdale Mayfield, who both have home advantage.

Saturday 1st April

Rochdale Mayfield vs Newcastle: 13:00pm

Amateur side Rochdale Mayfield could create the upset of the round when they host Chris Thorman’s Newcastle Thunder and this round they’ll have the benefit of a home tie, having twice won on the road, although this may well be one step too far.

Keighley Cougars vs North Wales Crusaders: 15:00pm

Championship side Keighley host the remaining Welsh side in the competition and they should have plenty to progress. The Cougars have won the last four match-ups and North Wales only just put away Thatto Heath Crusaders in round three.

London Broncos vs Doncaster: 15:00pm

London’s win over Whitehaven in round three has prompted a winning run that stretches to three matches now and facing League One opposition they’ll be hopeful to extend it. Doncaster have won every game so far this season and could continue that with an upset win.

Sunday 2nd April

York Knights vs Sheffield Eagles: 12:30pm on BBC iPlayer

The first of the televised fixtures this weekend and arguably the fixture of the round pits two of the Championship’s top sides against each other. Andrew Henderson’s York have lost their last two, albeit one to league leaders Featherstone, and in-form Sheffield can add a third loss in a row as they attempt to make the Round of 16 for the second consecutive year.

Hunslet ARLFC vs Batley Bulldogs: 14:00pm

The second of the amateur sides in action are Hunslet ARLFC who host a Batley side finding their form and whilst they’ve scored 121 points across two games in the competition so far, their winning run is expected to come to an end against Championship opposition.

Dewsbury Rams vs Widnes Vikings: 15:00pm on the Sportsman Youtube Channel

The second fixture that’s available to view sees League One Dewsbury host John Kear’s Widnes live on the Sportsman Youtube channel. Dewsbury’s unbeaten start to the season will be tested here with Widnes visiting and the away side would be expected to snatch a narrow win.

Halifax Panthers vs Barrow Raiders: 15:00pm

Halifax sprung the shock of the round last round in beating Championship leaders Featherstone Rovers but their league form hasn’t followed suit. In fact they lost to Barrow last Sunday so will be using this game to avenge that defeat, particularly given they’re at home this time around.

Midlands Hurricanes vs Bradford Bulls: 15:00pm

League One Midlands have struggled in the league this season, the Challenge Cup being the main route of their wins thus far. Bradford will see this as a strong opportunity to progress and Mark Dunning’s side will bounce back from their hammering against Keighley last weekend.