Lock Lane and Wath Brow looking to light up Challenge Cup

Lock Lane, from Castleford, and Cumbrian outfit Wath Brow, are two of the famous amateur clubs competing in the second round of the Challenge Cup this weekend.

Wath Brow were knocked out of the Cup last season by League 1 side Keighley Cougars, and the Cumbrian side’s coach Ian Rooney is hoping that his team can take some inspiration from that game.

“We have been fortunate to play some big names in the past like Keighley and Batley and it is a fantastic day, I have a lot of fond memories,” he said.

“We love being involved in the Challenge Cup and it would be nice to progress and have our moment in the headlines.”

Lock Lane coach Paul Couch is also hoping his players rise to the occasion.

“It would mean a lot to us to get through and have that test against semi-professional opposition,” he said.

West Yorkshire sees a derby between Shaw Cross and Normanton Knights, and Shaw Cross coach Brett Turner is hoping his team can grasp the opportunity to progress to the next round.

“It’s going to be a fantastic game, we’ve built up a massive rivalry with them,” he said.

“They beat us in the Grand Final two years ago with a drop goal in the last two minutes.

“We both got promoted and then we beat them in both games last season, that might give us the mental edge but we won’t be taking that for granted.

“We have some Aussie lads playing for us this year and they didn’t realise we had the chance to play in the Challenge Cup, they understand how big of a competition this is, it’s recognised worldwide.”

Ladbrokes Challenge Cup second round:

Saturday February 14 – all games 2.00pm kick-off unless stated

Hunslet Warriors v West Hull
Wath Brow Hornets v Lock Lane
Leigh Miners Rangers v Walney Central
Kells v Blackbrook
Elland v Egremont Rangers        
Oulton Raiders v Valley Cougars           
Widnes West Bank v Great Britain Police
Siddal v Featherstone Lions (1.30pm)    
Normanton Knights v Shaw Cross           
Skirlaugh v Royal Navy (1.00pm)