Road to Wembley: Quarter final place up for grabs for Swinton and Keighley

A place in the quarter finals of the Tetley’s Challenge Cup would have been unthinkable for Keighley Cougars and Swinton Lions at the start of the season.

Both sides are more interested in preserving their status in the Kingstone Press Championship with five clubs facing relegation at the end of the season.

But Keighley’s win against Barrow and Swinton’s victory over York in the last round has made the prospect of facing a Super League club in the last eight a reality after these old rivals go head to head at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday (3pm).

Cougars coach Paul March is relishing the prospect.

“We have always come up against Super League opposition in round four in the last few years,” he said.

“So to be in round five is a big achievement and if we do get through a massive tie is waiting for us.

“We know Swinton will be tough but we will concentrate on our own game. If we play well I’m confident we will be in the hat for the quarter finals.”

Keighley could have club captain James Feather back after injury with prop Andy Shickell hoping to return after a stress fracture.

Swinton player coach Ian Watson says it is an important game for the club which staved off the threat of administration at the start of the season by agreeing to pay off its creditors over the next five years under a CVA arrangement.

“It’s a massive game for the players on a personal note but also for the club as well,” said Watson.

“The prestige of getting to the quarter-finals and possibly getting that big Super League club, as well as the prize money, is huge for the club.”