Hall & Holmes to conduct Challenge Cup draw

Castleford’s Oliver Holmes and Leeds’ Ryan Hall will conduct the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup second round draw at 7.30pm this evening.

The draw is taking place at Oulton Raiders amateur club, where Ryan Hall played his early rugby.

Hall won the Lance Todd Trophy in last year’s final, and he will be drawing the home teams.

Holmes, who scored a try in the Tigers’ defeat to the Rhinos at Wembley last year, will draw the away teams, with 10 ties taking place in total.

The first round threw up some interesting results, and some brave performances from underdogs.

Scotland‘s representatives Aberdeen Warriors came close to an upset at East Yorkshire club Skirlaugh, losing 27-20.

The Valley Cougars, from South Wales, are in the second round, though, having beaten Leicester Storm 27-22.

The Services teams struggled to make an impact in the Cup this time around, with Great Britain Police, British Army and Royal Air Force all being knocked out.

The Royal Navy did their bit for military pride, however, defeating Saddleworth Rangers to reach the second round.

Two great old names from the amateur ranks, Hull Dockers and Leigh Miners Rangers, fought out a close game, with the East Riding team running out 10-6 winners.

There were also close wins for West Hull over Thatto Heath, and Widnes West Bank at South West London.

Three ties are still to be played. These will be played on Saturday February 7:
Nottingham Outlaws v Blackbrook
Shaw Cross v York Acorn
Featherstone Lions v Queens

First Round Results:

Sunday February 1:

Valley Cougars 27 – 22 Leicester Storm
British Police 0 – 38 Rochdale Mayfield

Saturday January 31:

British Army     8 – 20 Wath Brow Hornets
Royal Air Force 0 – 48 Siddal
Walney Central 28 – 8 Hunslet Parkside
Castleford Lock Lane 64 – 0 Sharlston Rovers
East Leeds 12 – 20 Kells
Egremont Rangers 28 – 0 Wigan St Judes
Elland 26 – 0 Leeds Met
Hull Dockers 10 – 6 Leigh Miners
Loughborough University 16 – 42 Hunslet Warriors
Normanton Knights 34 – 16 Myton Warriors
Oulton Raiders 60 – 6 Scarborough Pirates
Royal Navy 32 – 14 Saddleworth Rangers
Skirlaugh 27 – 20 Aberdeen Warriors
West Hull 14 – 12 Thatto Heath
Widnes West Bank 14 – 10 South West London

The draw will be streamed live on the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup website from around 7.30pm – Rugby League fans can watch by visiting www.thechallengecup.com

The second round features 10 ties involving the 20 winners from the first round and will be played over the weekend of February 21-22