Each season, the Betfred Challenge Cup has a proven track record for providing some of the biggest and most memorable moments of the Rugby League Calendar. And whilst only one round has been played so far, this year’s competition has been no different.
Ahead of this weekend's Round Two fixtures, we’ve picked out three teams for you to look out for…
Rochdale Mayfield
NCL outfit Rochdale Mayfield are one of the most respected amateur clubs in Greater Manchester. Over the years, the club has been a rich breeding ground for a host of elite talent. England international and St Helens forward Matty Lees, Warrington Wolves fullback Matty Ashton and Huddersfield Giants forward Jack Ashworth all came through the ranks at Mayfield.
When their homegrown players haven’t been poached by Super League clubs, the club’s talent often secure moves to nearby Championship and League One sides. In more recent times, Mayfield have acted as a feeder club to Rochdale Hornets.
Away from their development pathway, Mayfield also have a reputation for causing a cup upset or two. Just last year, they secured a place in Round Three of the Challenge Cup after recording a memorable 36-16 victory over the Midlands Hurricanes at the Mayfield Sports Centre.
Standing in their way of reaching the same stage this time around is another third-tier side in the form of Cornwall. The Choughs opened their 2023 campaign with a 40-6 away defeat at the Hurricanes last weekend, and given Mayfield’s record in the competition, Mike Abbott’s side will have to be on top form to prevent another cup shock from occurring tomorrow.
Dublin City Exiles
Dublin City Exiles made history in the opening round of the competition as their 42-8 win at Hammersmith Hills Hoists meant that the Exiles became the first Irish side to win a Challenge Cup fixture.
The Exiles will be aiming to execute another impressive display to reach the third round, but standing in their way is a tricky away trip to Orrell St. James.
Orrell St. James finished second in the 2022 North West Men’s League Premier Division behind Ashton Bears and are a force to be reckoned with, but the Exiles will still be hopeful of making further history this weekend.
Ince Rose Bridge
Wigan-based Ince Rose Bridge produced one of the performances of Round One when they defeated local rivals Wigan St. Patricks in front of a bumper crowd, and The Sportsman television cameras.
Ince Rose showed quality throughout the tie as Peter Valentine secured a memorable hat-trick, whilst Kallem Rodgers’ long-distance effort was voted as the second Impact Performance Try of the Week on the Our League app.
Their gutsy and impressive display versus St Pats was rewarded with a Round Two trip to Betfred League One side Workington Town. if Ince Rose can replicate their first-round performance, they could be a real threat again in Cumbria this Sunday.
Round Two Fixtures:
Saturday 25th February
- Cornwall vs Rochdale Mayfield - 13:00 – BBC Sport
- Brentwood Eels RLFC vs Wath Brow Hornets – 13:30
- Fryston Warriors vs Stanningley – 13:30
- Lock Lane ARLFC vs West Bowling – 13:30
- Saddleworth Rangers vs Thatto Heath Crusaders – 13:30
- Ashton Bears ARLFC vs Dewsbury Rams – 14:00
- Myton Warriors vs Leigh Miners Rangers – 14:00
- North Wales Crusaders vs Royal Navy – 14:00
- Royal Air Force vs York Acorn – 14:00
- Wests Warriors vs London Chargers – 14:00
- Hunslet ARLFC vs Pilkington Recs – 14:30
- Siddal vs West Hull - 14:30
- Orrell St. James vs Dublin City Exiles – 15:00
Sunday 26th February
- Rochdale Hornets vs London Skolars – 13:00
- Great Britain Police vs Westgate Common – 14:00
- Workington Town vs Ince Rose Bridge – 14:00
- Hull Dockers vs Midlands Hurricanes – 14:45 – The Sportsman
- Doncaster vs Oldham – 15:00
- Hunslet vs Heworth – 15:00
