Challenge Cup third round preview: London Skolars v Swinton Lions

London Skolars were hammered 78-10 by York City Knights at New River Stadium last week in the iPro Sport Cup and will be looking to restore some pride at home to Swinton on Saturday.

Coach Joe Mbu said: “After the first 20 to 30 minutes you would have never predicted that result. We scored first and looked fine in terms of what we were doing but what undid us was the amount of errors in the early part of the game and the lack of kicks to build pressure.

“On a couple of occasions we did more than 20 tackles because we kept giving away possession and not completing our sets and at some point those elements come back and bite you. It was very disappointing.

“It doesn’t get any tougher than Swinton. Against Hemel they were apparently quite clinical in both defence and attack and to nil someone at any level you’ve got something right.

“It’s certainly going to be a challenge but we’re in a sport where you get an opportunity to redeem yourself whatever the result from the previous weekend and we certainly have an opportunity against a top side and a quality team.”

Swinton put 34 points past Hemel Stags without reply in their iPro Sport Cup tie but coach John Duffy isn’t getting carried away.

“It was a good first competitive hit out for us,” he said. “I’m really pleased with them not scoring and we’re looking forward to this week in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.

“Joe’s doing a great job and they’ve got some big boys who run hard, we’re going to have to aim up after a long trip down there. They will have had a roasting off Joe and will come out at 100 miles an hour. We’re going to have to deal with that.”