Six community clubs have booked their places in the second round of the Challenge Cup, setting up some money spinning ties in the process.
Due to the freezing conditions nationwide and Storm Goretti, eight of the 14 planned first round ties due to be played this afternoon were postponed, but six did go ahead with the second round draw beginning to take shape.
Thatto Heath Crusaders were the big winners of the day. The St Helens-based amateur outfit thumped Seaton Rangers 78-10 in front of the BBC cameras, producing a dominant performance to set up a home game against a professional outfit.
Championship giants Widnes Vikings are the side that awaits them in a couple of weeks with the Vikings being drawn to play at Crusaders Park.
Blackbrook produced a dominant showing to see off GB Police 52-6 and set up a clash with Cumbria outfit Workington Town in the second round, while Hunslet ARLFC recorded a comfortable 48-6 win over York Acorn to book a trip to Mount Pleasant to take on Batley Bulldogs.
Acton-based Wests Warriors edged out the British Army 24-12 and their reward is a trip to face their local professional outfit London Broncos, who will be looking to show off their high profile new signings and go far in the competition this year.
Hammersmith Hills Hoists beat the Royal Navy 18-4 and phoenix club Salford RLFC, who currently have just 15 players on their books, have been drawn to play them in the next round.
The final second round tie set up today was Orrell St James’ with the Wigan-based club beating Oldham St Annes 34-0 to set up a clash with Oldham, who are predicted by many to challenge at the top end of the Championship this year.
Three ties are due to be played on Sunday weather permitting with Siddal, Banbridge Broncos and Bedford Tigers hosting those games, while those that were postponed will all likely be rearranged for next weekend ahead of the second round, which will be played over the weekend of January 24 and 25.
It’s also worth noting that the six community clubs that were victorious today will be included in Monday’s third round draw, with a clash against a Super League side a possibility.
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Challenge Cup first round results so far
Royal Navy 4-18 Hammersmith Hills Hoists
Hunslet ARLFC 48-6 York Acorn
Orrell St James 34-0 Oldham St Annes
Blackbrook 52-6 GB Police
British Army 12-24 Wests Warriors
Thatto Heath Crusaders 78-10 Seaton Rangers
Heworth P-P RAF
Brighouse Rangers P-P Lock Lane
Wigan St Judes P-P Leigh Miners Rangers
Stanningley P-P Dewsbury Moor
Rochdale Mayfield P-P Ince Rose Bridge
King Cross Park P-P West Hull
Telford Raiders P-P London Chargers
Woodhouse Warriors P-P Mirfield Spartans
Banbridge Broncos v Aberavon Fighting Irish – To be played on Sunday, January 11
Siddal v Waterhead Warriors – To be played on Sunday, January 11
Bedford Tigers v Medway Dragons – To be played on Sunday, January 11
Updated Challenge Cup Second Round Draw
Oldham v Orrell St James
Wigan St Judes or Leigh Miners Rangers v Barrow Raiders
Rochdale Mayfield or Ince Rose Bridge v Swinton Lions
Blackbrook v Workington Town
Thatto Heath Crusaders v Widnes Vikings
Siddal or Waterhead Warriors v Rochdale Hornets
Stanningley or Dewsbury Moor v Hunslet
Dewsbury Rams v King Cross Park or West Hull
Batley Bulldogs v Hunslet
Heworth or RAF v Keighley Cougars
Brighouse Rangers or Lock Lane v Featherstone Rovers* – Winner of Brighouse Rangers or Lock Lane will receive a bye to the third round after Featherstone Rovers’ membership refusal.
Woodhouse Warriors or Mirfield Spartans v Goole Vikings
North Wales Crusaders v Bedford Tigers or Medway Dragons
London Broncos v Wests Warriors
Midlands Hurricanes v Banbridge Broncos or Aberavon Fighting Irish
Halifax Panthers v Telford Raiders or London Chargers
Hammersmith Hills Hoists v Salford RLFC
Sheffield Eagles v Whitehaven
Doncaster v Newcastle Thunder
